Gerald Joseph Murray was born October 9, 1942 in Mitchell, SD to parents Fred and Lottie (Johnson) Murray. He died September 16, 2007 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 64 years, 11 months and 7 days. Gerald was raised in Mitchell as one of 11 brothers and sisters and attended school there. He married his wife of 40 years, Karen Pettyjohn. The couple lived in Mankota, MN for 11 years and then moved to Pasadena, TX where they resided for 15 years. Gerald worked as a journeyman machinist in Houston, TX. The couple moved to a farm near Beresford, SD in 1991. Karen died on April 8, 2005 and Gerald continued to live in Beresford until the present time. Gerald loved his grandchildren and enjoyed giving them rides on his tractor. He enjoyed playing on his computer and making CDs and movies for his kids to watch. He also liked to drive around town on his scooter with a Hank Williams, Sr. CD playing loud enough so everyone could hear it. He was preceded in death by his parents Lottie and Fred Murray, his wife Karen and several brothers and sisters. His survivors include his 5 children: Gerald Murray, Jr., Lottie Murray, Tim Murray, Jim Murray and Lenora Smith; grandchildren: Lovenia Reeves, Vanessa Murray, Katie Smith, R.J. Smith, Brandon Murray, Justin Murray, Kareena Murray, Nicole Murray, Brooke Murray, Michela Murray and Lakota Murray; one great granddaughter Skylar Ann Call and one great grandchild on the way; 4 brothers: Aaron Murray, Albert Murray, Dan Murray and Fred Murray; 2 sisters: Vicki Foster and Carol Mikklesen; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.