We mourn the loss of Mick and Julie Murray
     Mick Murray, one of two pastors at Kalona Mennonite Church, and his wife Julie were fatally injured in a car accident on Saturday, February 4.  The Murrays were driving to their son’s wrestling tournament just after noon when their vehicle hit a patch of ice and spun out of control, hitting a culvert.  Their daughter Nicole was in the car with them.  She was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital the same day.  Mick died at the scene, but Julie was taken to the hospital where she died later.
     Mick, 47, and Julie, 46, are survived by four children, Brittany, 20; Nicole, 18; Chase, 16; and Jordan, 14.  Julie’s sister and her husband, Beth and Bill Fiordelise, will take in the children.
     Central Plains conference ministers David Boshart and Tim Detweiler led the worship service at Kalona Mennonite the next day.  Using the order of service already printed in the bulletin, Tim led worship and David preached the sermon.  Pastor Scott Swartzendruber shared a few words of encouragement as well.  Mick and Scott have co-pastored Kalona Mennonite since February of 1995.
     Mick and Julie were very active in ministry to youth in the church and the community.  They volunteered regularly at Mid-Prairie High School and their home was always open to area youth.
     The Murray family is pictured above.  The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of arrangements.  The Community Foundation of Washington County has established a memorial fund at Hills Bank and Trust Co. 
     Local news stories:  KCRG-TV
     Listen to services at Kalona Mennonite on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
     Kalona Mennonite announces funeral services.
     Mennonite Weekly Review story.
     The Mennonite: Vehicle slides...    Fiordeliese family... 
     The Kalona News