Richard J. Dick Murray, 86, of Claremont, was accepted into the Lord's house on Friday, July 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Richard Dick Murray was born on June 30, 1931 in Dodge County, Claremont, Minnesota to Andrew J. and Dora M. (Shorter) Murray. As a child, he moved with his family from Claremont to Plainview, MN, to Mondovi, WI and in 1938, back to Claremont. Dick attended country school for six years and Claremont High School where he graduated with the Class of 1949. During his schooling, he was active in sports playing football, basketball and baseball as well as participating in the school band and choir. Following his schooling, Dick worked for local neighbors milking cows and helping his father farm. He joined the United States Navy in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon his return from the Navy in December, 1955, he met a beautiful lady, Ruth M. Howieson. On June 6, 1956, they became husband and wife in a ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Claremont. Dick and Ruth took over the family farm in Ripley Township in 1962 and in 1969 purchased another farm in Claremont Township. Along with farming, Dick graded roads for Ripley Township for a few years. He got his feet wet in grass roots government at the township level and for some forty years he served as Clerk in Ripley Township and a Supervisor in Claremont Township. He also spent ten years on the Dodge County Zoning Board. Through all of this, he found time to work at the Owatonna Canning Company for ten years. Dick was also dedicated to his church, First Presbyterian in Claremont, where he served as an elder, a trustee, was known as Mr. Fix It and served communion to the shut in's along side his pastor. He not only supported and served his church family but continued that support and service to his neighbors. If someone in the neighborhood suffered an injury or experienced a death of a loved one, Dick was the first to lend a helping hand. He never had to be asked, he just showed up. In 2006, Dick was honored as the Claremont Citizen of the Year. Dick loved sports and was an avid follower of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Lynx. He also enjoyed Hogfest festivities, traveling and fishing. Along with his service to his church and community, Dick served on the Hillside Cemetery board and as treasurer of the Claremont American Legion Post 422 for a number of years. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Ruth of Claremont; children, Richard J. (Sandy) Murray, II of Albert Lea, MN, Brian K. Murray (Jeff Hartman) of Des Moines, IA, and Katherine A. (Randy) Gerber of North Mankato, MN; six grandchildren, Anthony (Sara) Murray, Adam Murray, Michelle (Michael) Hanson, Jon (Abby) Murray, Justin Gerber and Andrew Gerber; twelve great-grandchildren, Bailey (fianc�© Nick Weber), Alexandra, Mackenzie, Madison, Ayva, Michaela, Sienna, Lola, Laynee, Kiley, Charlie and Katie; two great-great-grandchildren, Marlee and Rylee; two brothers, Rev. Dr. James (Marie) Murray of Mesquite, NV and William (Sharon) Murray of Dodge Center, MN; brothers-in-law, David (Barb) Howieson of Owatonna, MN, Charles (Marilyn) Howieson of Des Moines, IA, Paul Howieson of Owatonna, MN, Larry (Christie) Howieson of Crystal, MN and Jim Boeke of Denham Springs, LA; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Gene) Nelsen of St. Peter, MN, Karen (Don) Owen of Urbandale, IA and Judy (Harlan) Remington of Janesville, MN and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Andrew and Dora; brothers-in-law, James, William, Andrew, John and Ron Howieson and sister-in-law, Grace Boeke. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Monday, July 24, 2017 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and at church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Claremont with Reverend Clint Patterson officiating. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Claremont with full military honors by the Claremont American Legion Post 422. Memorials preferred to First Presbyterian Church of Claremont or donors choice. Visitation: 07/24/2017 16:00 07/24/2017 19:00 Service: and at church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. 07/25/2017 10:30