Donald E. Murray, of Clear Lake, Wisconsin passed away in Amery, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the age of 73 years. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Williamson-White Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. and for the hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 12:45 p.m. gathering at Assembly area #5

Donald E. Murray was born on January 19, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota the son of Elmore and Susan (Browning) Murray. He grew up on the East Side of St. Paul, Minnesota where he attended Sibley Grade School and Harding High School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping as a young man. He entered the United States Navy in February of 1956. He served until September of 1958 when he was honorably discharged. He moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin when he returned from the Navy. He worked at a Lumber Company until 1967, and then moved to the twin cities where he worked for North Star Steel. He moved to Clear Lake, Wisconsin in 1969 where he tried his hand at farming and operated a trucking company until 1974. He worked for Pearson Candy Company in St. Paul for two years, and then for Ben Massie, Inc. for just a few months. One job he was particularly proud of was when he started his own business. He began a business recycling cardboard and he manufactured balers to compact the cardboard. The business was E. P. Baler Manufacturing from Clear Lake, Wisconsin. Donald held a pilot's license and enjoyed recreational flying when time allowed. On December 31, 1977 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Raye Wesenberg (nee Cilek). Donald continued to enjoy fishing especially in northern Manitoba, Canada. When he was able, Donald enjoyed traveling to Mexico. Gathering together with family and friends was very important to him, and he loved babysitting Renee. Donald has battled Parkinson's disease for almost 20 years.
He passed away at the Amery Regional Medical Center on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the age of 73 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant daughter Brenda Jean, and brothers Richard and Raymond. Left to mourn are his wife Bonnie; children: Brian Dana, Jo Ayn Dana, Clint Wesenberg and Dawn Murray; seven grandchildren; sisters: Carol De La Martre and Janet Marier as well as other relatives and friends.