Roger R. Murray

Roger R. Murray, 77, of Milo, Iowa, passed away on May 26, 2022. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date at the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorials will be designated at a later date.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/roger-murray

Roger Rodman Murray was born on November 20, 1944, to Joseph and Winifred (Wendt) Murray. He grew up in Des Moines, where he attended Des Moines Tech. After graduation he joined the Air Force.

Roger married Linda Rae Langford on November 29, 1968. The couple was blessed with two children: David and Lisa.

Roger was a hard worker and entrepreneur, holding several jobs in different states before settling his family in Milo in 1980. While still living in Des Moines he drove a taxi for a bit and held the record for the longest trip, driving a family to New York City. He did some construction work as well, bought and sold antiques, auctioneered, and then was self-employed with Iowa Liquidation. He made many friends over the years while working shows and flea markets all over the country. He was always willing to crack a cold one with his acquaintances and had a few lifelong customers because of his ability to make everyone feel like they were getting the “best deal ever”.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He has many trophies that show his love of the outdoors. He passed on this love to his son, grandsons, and his nephews. He took them on countless hunting and fishing adventures over the years. There were lots of memories made in turkey blinds and boats. Roger and David even fished competitively, winning a few tournaments and earning Team of the Year honors.

Roger’s humor and goodhearted joking abilities were known by many. He loved being a trickster and would often give fake gifts to his grandkids at Christmas time, always coming up with new and unique ways to keep everyone laughing. Christmas was a favorite holiday for Roger and he often dressed as Santa to surprise grandkids. The family recalls times that he played Santa for strangers as well, delivering gifts that he had purchased to kids and families in need. He was extremely generous and always willing to help others.

Roger had a great love for his family. He had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren and when he saw the great grandkids, he always had a treat for them. They all looked forward to visits with Papa.

Roger was an animal lover and always had dogs that he spoiled like children. He never ate a meal without sharing with them.

Roger had several health issues but it was almost as though he had nine lives, beating cancer three times. This added to his attitude of living life to the fullest, always taking advantage of time spent with those he loved.

Roger will be dearly missed by his children: David (Belinda) Murray and Lisa (Brian) Ridge; grandchildren: Cody, Brandon, Austin, Drew, Parker, Bryce, and Jordan; great grandchildren: Henry, Holden, and William, plus one on the way; sister, Rocheen (Tony) Andrews; and friend and long-time business partner, Paula Griggs.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Winifred; wife, Linda; and brother, Randy Murray.