Murray Douglas Rehn

Murray Douglas Rehn passed away while being held in the arms of his children, Chad and Nikki, the morning of February 21, 2023, in Bonham, Texas at the age of 80.

He was born in Culbertson, Nebraska at 10:00 PM on March 29th, 1942, in his parents’ home, the late Karl Rehn and Maxine (Hisel) Rehn. He attended public school in Culbertson, Nebraska while maintaining the family farm along with his older sister Karla and older brother Lonnie. He also worked for neighboring farms during the later part of his school days.

While growing up, he obtained many hobbies, that he shared with his brother Lonnie. Together, they grew a passion for cars. The first car Murray purchased was a 1940 Ford that he bought from Bud Hill for $12. This was just the beginning of many cars to come. The day after High School, he and his best friend “Whitey” decided to meet at the train tracks at dawn to join the service.

On November 8, 1961, Murray enlisted into active duty for the United States Air Force. He obtained several specialty certificates which included, Heating Systems Specialist and Gas Appliance Serviceman. He worked on the fire control launching missile system for the F-106 Delta Dart. After training, he was sent to the 22nd Air Defense Missile Squadron at Langley AFB, VA. In December of 1964 he was promoted to Airman First Class as a heating specialist in a unit that supports the Air Defense Command Mission of defending the Continental U.S. against enemy air attack. On November 5, 1965, Murray was released from active duty and entered the Reserves until he fulfilled that obligation on November 7, 1967. During his time in the Reserves, he returned to his hometown of Culbertson, NE and he worked as a mechanic at a local dealership in McCook, NE. This would be where he would meet his future wife, Vicky. She admired him from across the street where she attended the local beauty college. She became swooned by his bad boy image, his fast car and the fact that not only did it have a radio, but it also had air conditioning. They both fell deeply in love and joined in marriage on November 12, 1967.

After marriage, Murray was hired by the Federal Government. They traveled for some time, but eventually ended up in Denver, CO where he worked for Rocky Flatts Nuclear Plant. After several years there, he then started employment at the Denver Federal Center for GSA Motorpool.

After they became established in Denver, Murray and Vicky welcomed their first child, son Chad in September 1972. Three years later, they welcomed their last child, daughter Nichole in October 1975. Chad and Nikki became their pride and joy. Murray did whatever means necessary to give Vicky, Chad, and Nichole the best lives possible. No matter how many jobs he was working at the time he was a huge part of his children’s lives. He coached separate soccer teams for them, he was also a big part of the Boy Scouts, where he and Chad would spend countless hours weighing, measuring and perfecting pinewood cars for the Pinewood Derby Competition every year. On opposite weekends he would attend Nikki’s gymnastics and dance competitions. Not only was he supportive of his children, but he was also supportive of his wife Vicky in every venture she was passionate about. He learned to make swags, set up craft booths, paint and decorate in the Victorian style she loved so much.

In the Summer of 1985, Murray and Vicky settled into Texas, where he fit right in. Together they grew an everlasting friendship with John and Diane (Deeter) Kirkwood. Murray continued employment with GSA until he decided to take an early retirement of 32 years, after the Oklahoma City bombing on the Federal building.

After retirement, Murray began to enjoy spending time with his first grandchild Katelyn, the first of seven grandchildren. He loved spending time with his grandchildren shooting bb guns, fishing for mud bugs, going to the drive-in movies and joining them in the local parades in Hillsboro, TX. There was no adventure too large when it came to his grandbabies.

Murray was a man of his word. He was passionate in everything he stood for, first and foremost, his family. His hobbies included camping, racing, cars, motorcycles, and guns. But most of all family because he included his family in all of these. Murray had knowledge in almost everything, ask him a question, if he didn’t know the answer, he would have the answer by the end of the day.

He will be dearly missed.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Karl and Maxine Rehn, sister and brother-in-law Howard and Karla Kitt, sister-in-law Sarah Rehn, sister-in-law Sandra (Marquardt) Clevenger, brother-in-law Bob Elliott and the love of his life of 40 years Vicky (Marquardt) Rehn.

He is survived by his son Chad (Mari) Rehn of Plano, TX, daughter Nichole (Natasha) Rehn of Keller, TX, brother Lonnie Rehn of Sherwood, AR, sister-in- law Janice Elliott of Culbertson, NE, brother-in-law Joe (Joy) Marquardt of Holdrege, NE, brother-in-law Tom Clevenger of Culbertson, NE and Natalie (Rob) Maaske of Culbertson, NE. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Murray Rehn’s name to: Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church, 226 Stadium Rd., Hillsboro, TX 76645.

Murray’s Memorial Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LG58T3LZCWBB78WG

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Arrangements under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home
1820 N. Beltline Road
Irving, Texas 75061
(972) 607-4400