The Superior Express -

Murray Gene Johnson was born to Eldon and Edna Johnson on March 10, 1955, in Deshler. On April 13, at the age of 69, Murray died at his home surrounded by his family.

He loved God, his family, and his country.

Murray attended Davenport Community School where he graduated in 1973. He was a stellar athlete and is remembered for his skills on the basketball court, football and baseball fields. Though his classroom accomplishments were maybe not as memorable as his sports endeavors, he was a good student and often recalled his most influential teacher, Mrs. Fisher, who had a lasting impact on him. Following graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska as a walk-on for his favorite team.

Murray and Christy Doherty were introduced to each other by mutual friends in 1977. They were united in marriage Dec. 16, 1978 at Christ’s Lutheran Church of Davenport. This union blessed them with two daughters, Meghan and Lauren.

Murray and Christy left the Davenport area to explore new horizons as Murray pursued a career in sales and marketing, taking them to Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. However, the sudden death of his father and the love of his hometown and its peaceful rural setting drew them back so they returned to Davenport in August of 1989 to move into his family home and raise their two young girls.

Murray’s background in farming and his passion for the industry led him to his ultimate career in the irrigation industry. This change brought about the perfect combination of his two passions-farming and sales. Murray worked as a regional territory manager for Valmont’s Irrigation Division until his retirement in 2019. Equally comfortable in a business setting as he was with farmers, who were his favorite people, he found the best of both worlds. Murray built a reputation in the irrigation industry as a strong leader never wavering from his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

He was a fixer, a problem solver and dream come true maker. 

He liked music and going to concerts.

Murray was an animal lover and the Johnson family had an open-door policy for animals they found in need.  None were ever turned away and all were welcome.

He enjoyed gardening and prided himself in his meticulously straight rows and picture-perfect vegetables.

On November 21, Murray’s family received the news no family ever wants to hear. He had a rare and incurable cancer which had spread. Given an impossible chance of surviving, he never gave up.

Murray is survived by his wife, Christy; his daughters, Meghan and Lauren; his son-in-law, Shiloh; and his cherished grandson, Maverick. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Fouraker ; and his brother, Phil Johnson and Phil’s wife, Deb Johnson.

His funeral will be held in the near future.