Matthew Murrane

Matthew James, son of Joseph P. and Martha (Emery) Murrane, was born September 23, 1939, at Omaha, NE. The family lived near Bayard, IA. Matt attended and graduated from Maur Hill Catholic High School in Atchison, KS. He served in the National Guard for six years following his schooling. Matt lived in Des Moines for a time and worked for Western Electric. On June 13, 1964, Matt was united in marriage with Carlene Behrens at Holy Angels Church in Roselle. The couple made their home in Carroll for a year, then moved to Bayard where they lived for over 25 years. Matt farmed his family's land and worked many odd jobs through the years. He worked as a hail adjuster for State Farm Insurance for 25 years and for P.M.A. Matt retired from State Farm in 2002 and from active farming in 2005. Matt and Carlene enjoyed trips to Alaska, Ireland and Niagara Falls in the last few years, as well as many other trips with family. Matt's faith meant a lot to him, and he was an active member of St. Patrick's Church in Bayard. He was also a member of the Bayard Lion's Club. Matt enjoyed bike riding with his wife, traveling the local countryside, and golfing. He also found pleasure in listening to music, especially Irish tunes. As Matt's health suffered due to Alzheimer's disease, his wife faithfully cared for him at home. He moved to The New Homestead nursing home in Guthrie Center in October. Matt died there on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 19 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; Carlene's parents: Lawrence & Justine Behrens; sister Martha Ann Jenners (Bob); brother Michael Murrane; and brother-in-law Ervin Behrens. Matt is survived by his wife Carlene Murrane, Bayard; son Tim Murrane (Virginia), Coon Rapids; daughter Carolyn Wagner (Dave), Audubon; grandchildren: Heath Wagner (fiancée Megan Scott), Audubon; Sergeant Joseph Murrane, Ft. Riley, KS; Matthew and Abigail Murrane, Coon Rapids; Matracea and Cami Wagner, Audubon; sisters: Marie Murrane, Carroll; Margaret Murrane (Eugene), Prescott, AZ; Madonna Wilson (Jerry) of Branson, MO; sister-in-law Patty Murrane, Des Moines; Carlene's siblings: Leon Behrens (Diane), Omaha, NE; Myra Steinkamp (Orlin), Wall Lake; Norm Behrens (Diane), Wall Lake; Sheila Hahn (Gerald), Carroll; Mark Behrens (Kathy), Carroll; sister-in-law Esta Raasch (Dean), Carroll; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rev. Michael Peters, Celebrant Deacon Dick Ziller, Concelebrant Lectors Katie Rowe & Kurt Steinkamp Gift Bearers Cami Wagner, Matracea Wagner & Megan Scott Music "Like a Shepherd" "Ave Maria" "One Bread, One Body" "Danny Boy" Abigail Murrane, Vocalist Deb Coffman, Organist Casket Bearers Heath Wagner Joseph Murrane Matthew Murrane Pat Murrane Tom Murrane Dan Jenners Interment with Military Honors American Legion Bryan Mercer Post 44 Willow Township Cemetery, near Bayard, Iowa Matt's family invites you to join them for lunch & fellowship at the Bayard Community Hall following the interment.