Murray Jerome Brothen was born October 15, 1933 to Gilbert and Theadora Brothen in Stanley, WI and died May 30, 2016 in Madison, WI. In 1946 Murray was the Wisconsin State Marble Champion. He graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 1952. After graduation, Murray joined the National Guard and relocated to Kenosha, WI for work. On August 11, 1956 Murray was married to Eva (nee Andersen) Brothen at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church in Kenosha, WI. They raised their children in Kenosha and Watertown, WI and have retired to Friendship, WI.
Murray was employed by Fibersen for 34 years. He was an avid hunter and angler and loved just being in the outdoors. He was a very active man who did not sit still for very long. You could usually find him chopping firewood, turning wooden bowls, and cooking (Lefse and pancakes were his specialty). Murray shared his love of road tripping/camping with his family while traveling throughout the United States. He was a member of the Habitat for Humanity and an active church goer. Murray was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Murray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eva, his children: Karen Kottwitz, Scott (Lynda) Brothen, Pamela (Bob) Kenley, Mark (Julie) Brothen, and June Brothen, and 3 grandchildren: Stefanea (Christopher) Rucinski, Bethanea Kottwitz, and Jordan Challoner. He is further survived by his two sisters Betty Schlater and Donna Taleronik, and sister-in-law Delores Brothen. Murray also is survived by step-grandchildren, step-greatgrandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Murray was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Theadora Brothen, and his brothers Leroy Brothen, Oscar Brothen, and Orville Brothen . He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law Larry Kottwitz.
Funeral Info:
Visitation is at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1650 Church St in Arkdale, WI on Thursday evening, June 2, 2016 from 5:30 until 7:30 PM and then on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1 PM. Murray will be cremated and placed into a place of remembrance at a later date.
My sincerest sympathy to the entire Brothen family. Every November at our HCE craft fair I looked forward to buying another special wooden bowl to add to my collection or to give as a special wedding gift. Such talent will be missed. We will miss him at Second Harvest helping also. May you cherish the many many memories. Love & prayers for you all.
Dawn Stone
Dear Eva & Family, Pete and I would like to share our sincere sympathy to you all with the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather. I am certain he will be greatly missed. In sympathy, Melinda & Pete Brogan
Eva and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Murray, he will always be the King of lefsa rolling at the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. May the faith that we share in the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ give you peace at this very sad time.
so sorry to hear this, murray was a good co worker , rest in peace my friend ,many fond memories , hunting, fishing, heaven is getting a good man
Dan Gottschalk says so sorry to hear this, worked and fished and hunted with murray for many years, may he rest in peace
Mark
Thinking of you and family, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
I will remember all the times we worked together at Sunday With Friends and the laughs we shared……We talked just a few weeks ago at the County Market and again we laughed about something.
I will miss you…RIP
Eva, Pam and Family,
May all your memories and your faith console you during this difficult loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark and family so sorry for your loss. What little time I had with him in the great outdoors was enjoyable.
“IN THE WIND HE’S STILL ALIVE” T.N.
Keep in mind it’s not the numbers at his grave 1933 – 2016 it was the time you had with him, that little dash in between the numbers that he was here with you, S.M. God Bless
I am fortunate enough to own a “Brothen Bowl” made from wood from our old church. I too shall cherish the bowls I have from him.
My sympathy to the family.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father Pamela. From all the things I am reading he sounds like a wonderful man. My condolences go out to you and all of your family.
So sorry for the loss of your Father Mark and your Father in law Julie. What can we say but, know we are here for you both. Our prayers and Love are with you.
Pam…there is nothing I can say except to tell you all the great things I read about your dad…I see in you. You work hard, you are very creative, a good cook, love the outdoors, traveling, animals, music, and, have a big compassionate heart. You and Bob have made a loving HOME where your children and grandchildren create grand memories. “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” You are Murray’s and Eva’s living legacy. Murray left a positive impact on the world.
We were so sorry about the death of another one of are family. He will sadly be missed. I love looking at all of his wood crafting. Good bye to are Dear Uncle Murray. We will miss you always.
We are sorry for your loss.
Ed and Rusty Wipf
I will be out of town and can not attend.
My prayers are with all of you. Mark and Julie, please know that I’m here for you always. Mark, your father was an amazing man and his legacy will live through you. Hugs.
Bless all of you during your loss of such a great man that touched the lives of so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eva and her children and grandchildren. Karen,we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Stefanea and Bethanea,so sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
May all of you be comforted knowing,the same hands that created this wonderful man and carried him Home,are the same hands that are holding you right now as you mourn <3
So sorry for loss Brothen Family,Karen , I will keep you,Beth,Stef and Chris in my prayers and continue to be of help to you when I can.I only met Murray a few times but I know he was a very talented woodworker and I shall cherish the bowls I bought from him.