Murray, Myron "Mike" Francis Jr.

MADISON - Myron "Mike" Francis Murray Jr., died on Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at his home in Madison. He was born on Feb. 19, 1925, to Myron and Geneva (Oimoen) Murray. Mike was a graduate of Mount Horeb High School in 1942. The Blue Mounds native was a World War II veteran serving in the Army signal corps.

He began his career at UW-Madison in 1948, when he was hired as a student worker in nuclear physics. From 1948 through early 1949, he worked as an electronics technician while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering.

Murray has been involved with many experiments such as the Amanda project and the Hubble space telescope, and spent several years on the electrical wiring for the linear proton accelerator in the basement of Sterling Hall. He organized the nearby electronics shop for nuclear physics, then reorganized it when a bomb exploded just outside the shop in 1970. He also organized the physics department's main electronic shop in Chamberlin Hall while it relocated. The state of Wisconsin honored him in 2005 with a certificate of commendation for his 56 years of faithful service.

Mike built his own home, which he was able to live in until his death. He was very involved in Crestwood neighborhood activities, serving on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association.

Mike is survived by his son, John (Mary) Murray; a daughter, Jean (Dyck) Shepherd; grandchildren, Michael, Ruth, Christopher and Molly Murray, Amanda (David) Temple and Marissa Shepherd; a brother, Robert Murray; and a sister, Barbara Sutter. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey E. Murray; his later wife, Karen Bradford; a son, Mark J. Murray; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Duane Hanson presiding.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, and also one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434. www.cressfuneralservice.com