Murray L. Warren, age 89, of Cambridge died November 26, 2013 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 1st at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. A visiting time will be held one hour prior to the service.
Murray was born on May 22, 1924 in Park Rapids, MN, the oldest son of Clifford James Warren and Ellena Belle Rhodes Warren. He graduated as valedictorian of the Nevis High School Class of 1942. While a student at Bemidji State Teacher’s College, he enlisted in the army on December 3, 1942. He entered active service on April 2, 1943. He received basic medical and engineering training before being assigned to the signal corps where he was instructed in telegraph and telephone installation, operation, and repair. He departed for the CBI (China-Burma-India) theater of operations on Jan. 11, 1945 by transport ship through the south Pacific, by way of Australia. He arrived in India on February 20, 1945. He remained in India and Burma, mainly, working to maintain communication along the Ledo Road, which was under construction as an overland supply route to China. On at least one occasion, he flew in a supply plane on a dangerous “over the hump” (meaning over the Himalayan mountains from Burma to China) mission. By the time he left Burma on Feb. 22, 1946, the Ledo Road was open, the war was officially over, and the world was returning to “normal”. However, as Murray recalls, tensions in China were noticeably increasing. Once the hostilities with Japan ended, China’s internal struggles resumed and the Chinese civil war broke out which was destined to bring communism to China. Murray returned home to the USA on March 19, 1946 and was honorably discharged on March 25, 1946, with a rank of “Tec-5” (Technician Fifth Grade).
Murray was united in marriage to his beautiful sweetheart, Darlene Luella Fradenburgh, on August 15, 1947. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1948, and began a career as a high school science teacher in Boy River, MN. He taught for three years in Boy River, for four years in Backus, MN, and for 33 years in Crookston, MN, where he also coached track and cross country. During those years, he also completed a Master’s Degree from Greeley State College in Greeley, CO, and did post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota and University of North Dakota, and raised a family of six children. During his tenure in Crookston, Murray served as head of the Science Department, Civil Defense Director for the City of Crookston, member of the Crookston Civic Music League, Christian Business Men’s Committee, the American Legion Nels T. Wold Post 20, The United Way Committee, member of the Municipal Band, organizer of the Pioneer Days Road Race, and many positions at Calvary Baptist Church, where he and Darlene were charter members. In addition to his teaching career, for many years Murray owned his own small Christmas tree business, Nevis Pines. At Christmas time many Crookston homes and churches were filled with the beauty and fragrance of fresh pine, thanks to Murray. He also worked numerous summers as an inspector of migrant labor housing for the Minnesota Department of Health. Murray retired from teaching in 1988, but continued as a substitute teacher for another 10 years. He fellowshipped at the Evangelical Covenant Church in the last years of his residence in Crookston.
From 1998 – 2008, Murray and Darlene lived in Mesa, AZ for the winter months. There Murray sang with the Men of Melody choir, the Mesa Spirit Chapel choir, and enjoyed playing in the bocce league.
In 2010, Murray and Darlene moved from Crookston to Cambridge, where they enjoyed their new home at Grace Pointe – River Hills. He suffered a stroke in June of 2013, and spent his final months at Gables West, lovingly cared for by the staff, his wife, and his five daughters.
Murray was ushered into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, a great-grandson, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Murray is survived by his one true love, his wife Darlene, and their six children: Lu (Ron) Sundheim of New London, MN; Rhoda (Jim Held) of Indianapolis, IN; Mary Lynn (Jerry) Hoard of Waterloo, IA; Mark (Susan) of Normal, IL; Leah (Art) Volker of Cambridge, MN; and Maggie (Tom) Nitti of White Bear Lake, MN. He also leaves 15 grandchildren and spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren, with 1 more due in December. He is also survived by his one brother, Ross W. Warren of Corvallis, OR, and many nieces and nephews.
Murray’s life was a sterling example of faithfulness – to his family, to his career, to his country, and most importantly, to the God he served. “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Jeni (Mullins) Williams, '88 says
Mr. Warren was always one of my favorite teachers. Proud to be one of his Sampson Addition kids!
My condolences on this loss to your family. I hope it brings you comfort to know how loved he was.
RIP, Mr. Warren
Suzanne Gramer says
He was a wonderful teacher….and that means a lot to me, as I have been teaching for 31 years.
Patti (Hagen) King says
I remember Mr. Warren from my high school science classes. Loved being in his classroom. My condolences to the family. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with you.
RIP Mr. Warren
Adam Roed says
He was great man in many peoples lives. I enjoyed having him as a subsitute teacher. He was always full knowledge.
May he rest in peace.
Beth Capistran says
What a great teacher! He made learning fun and really made you wonder and want to know more. I will never forget pushing his car down the street as one of his lessons. It has made me strive to be the same kind of teacher and person. He was so kind and always had a warm welcome and a smile on his face. The world is a better place for having him in it.
Jessica (Knutson) Osborn says
My memories of Mr. Warren will never be forgotten. Insightful, curious, patient and genuine. His journey here on earth was admired by so many – a true role model. His journey now continues and I pray that you find peace with his loss, knowing his memories are with good people, that were fortunate to cross paths with him over the years.
Harley & Peggy Stahlecker says
Our prayers go out to the Warren family. He was a wonderful man & teacher. I will put a memorial in Murray’s name at our church Trinity Lutheran towards the men’s chorus. God Bless.
Cecilia Plante says
My condolences to Darlene and family. May he rest in peace.
Lester and Amy Sheneberger says
The first time I met Murray was at he and Darlene’s 50th Anniversary party. Amy (his granddaughter) tried on grandma’s dress and it was suggested that I just marry her while she had the dress on. We had good conversations about Palomar Observatory, teaching and singing barbershop quartet over the years. I am so grateful to have known Murray and share in the joy of being in his family. Peace to his memory! (Lester)
When I was a little girl I remember endless games of Monopoly with him, trying to keep up with grandpa on his runs and snoozes on his living room floor. I will miss him! (Amy)
Amy Menard says
Mr Warren will always be remembered as a person who loved his students. He was always patient, loving, and kind. He truly loved his job, and his character was a great example to his sudents. He will live on through my memories of him as a teacher.
Mike McVey says
Mr. Warren was a wonderful teacher and a true example of how to live one’s life. I remember being in his astronomy class. John Windels and I were the only two that took him up on meeting him for observation on a winter night that had to be about 25 below zero, but clear as a bell and Jupiter was supposed to be close. He met us outside of town with the BIG telescope and we proceeded to find as many planets as we could before we froze. He treated us like young adults- not kids, and was always ready to help us learn. I’m glad he was part of my life in Crookston. My prayers are for the Warren family.
Theresa Brule-Haggerty says
Mr. Warren was one of those teachers you never forgot. You could tell that he loved his job and his students. I would alwaysl visit with him, whenever I saw him around Crookston. RIP Mr. Warren you were one of a kind.
Andrea Neys says
Uncle Murray was a very kind man. He raised a great family and will be missed by everyone.
Ron Carpenter '62 says
What a wonderful obituary for a truly wonderful human being. I had the privilege of knowing him as a teacher and as my coach for track and cross-country. My relative short time with Mr. Warren taught me much about how life should be lived and how others should be treated. My thoughts and prayers are with the Warren family.
Karen Solgard says
Mr Warren was always kind, patient, and friendly when I had him as a science teacher in high school. Only years later did I find out just how entertaining he could be as a singer in the barbershop quartet with my dad.
Craig Buness says
Mr. Warren was a first class person and instructor and he will be missed by everyone he touched in his personal life or his professional life.
Burts Family says
We are very sorry to hear of Mr. Warren’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences in this sad time. (Isa. 25:8)
Jane Bergeson Moen says
So sorry to hear about Mr. Warren’s passing. I enjoyed reading his outstanding obituary and learning about his life. He was my teacher here in Crookston, and I also attended the same church as he and his family. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gordon Fradenburgh says
As I read the comments, I can only agree wholeheartedly how remarkable and steadfast Uncle Murray was. It’s heartening to know that he is with his savior as we go on with our lives. His life truly was well done. Aunt Darlene, I’m so glad you have the loving support of such a wonderful family. I miss you all. Our love and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Gordon and Anna
Marcia (McCormick) Ruark says
I was in Mr. Warren’s chemistry class in HS and appreciated him as a teacher. However, I was even more impressed with him as a husband, father, and faithful follower of Jesus. I remember many times at church services and activities seeing him with one of his children sitting on his lap. I also remember his ministry in music with his wife, Darlene, accompanying him on the piano or singing a duet with him. Calvary Baptist Church met in our home during those years. I remember one Sunday when Murray returned to our house after everyone had left, saying he got home and realized he was missing a child. With six children to keep track of, that was understandable. A search or our yard resulted in finding his only son, Mark, playing in the sandbox behind the house. After that, they counted noses when they got into the car!! Darlene, Lu, Rhoda, Mary Lynn, Mark, Leah, and Maggie (whom I knew as “Teenie” because she was so petite) – I pray the God of all comfort will comfort your hearts through the Holy Spirit and through your memories of your husband and father.
Dave Barnum says
Murray was a great: “Role Model” – as a fellow teacher, friend, CC and Track and Field Coach, Fellow Believer and Church Member, community member, Christmas tree harvester. Pseudo Dad and to my 3 sons Grandpa Warren. Thanks Murray for allowing me to start my career living at your home for a few weeks and especially for finishing my career in Crookston by living in the basement of your home for the entire year. Thank you Murray and Darlene for being True Christians. Goodbye Murray I know I will see you again in eternity.
Chaplain Len says
“Well done good and faithful servant”. Words you will hear as you are welcomed into our Lord’s kingdom. Well deserved as you modeled well what it is to be a disciple of Christ. As I read the words of so many you have touched in your life I only think what an honor it was to be under your teaching, not only in the classroom but more importantly in this classroom we call life. Thank you for blessing all of us in this way.
Sarah (Murphy) Gerads, '91 says
Mr. Warren was one of my favorite teachers at CHS. A quiet teacher but a friendly smile that made the learning enjoyable. Thank you Mr. Warren for your kindness and your knowledge. My sympathy to the Warren family.
Tim Tomaszewski, 91 says
We will never forget the morning runs hairdos, and who else would tell the students why or how the the sky is blue! Thanks for being a great teacher and unknowingly inspiring me to want and education in science! My condolences and prayers to the family and friends
Faye Klongerbo Mackowick says
Mr. Warren was such a nice teacher. The last time I saw him was at the All-School reunion when he was celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary at the church by the new high school in Crookston.
One thing I remember from his chemistry class is when someone was absent or late, he would go out in the hall and call our names hoping maybe we would show up!
My condolences to the family who were also neighbors of ours in Sampson’s Addition.
nancy nelson bowker says
I too remember Mr. Warren as a science teacher and our Sunday School teacher and youth leader. I remember both he and his wife and their six children. What a blessing they were to all who knew them. I remember a couple of times his sticking up for me which impressed me.
My thoughts and prayers are with and for you his family. Didn’t realize he had such an extensive one. May the Lord be with all of you in this your time of loss.
You truly will see him again one day.
Tim Hanson says
Mr. Warren was a very kind man. He was always very thoughtful and caring, both as a teacher and a coach. Life in school was much better with Mr. Warren. Blessings to the Warren family.
Jay Thoreson says
Blessings to the Warren family at this time. Take comfort that Murray is enjoying the presence of our Savior.
Craig Kronholm says
A flood of memories. Teacher, coach, mentor, church youth leader and friend. I remember Mr. Warren more from a one-on-one relationship. On many occasions, he would stop me, offer some educational advice, a word of encouragement, some athletic advice, but more so, a religious counselor. He always supported me and I will always remember that.
A warm hug to all of you Warrens and may all of your memories of your husband, Dad and Grandfather bring a smile to your faces.
Angel Roed says
Mr. Warren was a great substitute teacher. Not only did we find out about the sky being blue, but also why the grass was always green. In the classes that Mr. Warren substituted was when you could learn about other things. Rather then what that class was actually for. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Warren Family. RIP MR. WARREN