Memorial
Terrence William Murrin was born on July 29, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to William Perry Murrin and Ellen Cecilia Davin Murrin. He and his sister, Jean Ellen Murrin McDonnell, attended Saint Patrick's School in Cedar Rapids from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Cedar Memorial Park Stateroom in Cedar Rapids. A Visitation will also be held from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am Funeral Mass at All Saints Catholic Church, 720 29th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Terry earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Industrial Technology from the University of Northern Iowa — a notable achievement for a man who, by his own admission, hated school. He served on the UNI faculty until 1973 when he joined Cherry Burrell as a technical writer, eventually serving as the company's Human Resources Director. He later founded The CareerWorks Inc., a recruiting firm he led with dedication for well over a decade before retiring in 2018.
On December 26, 1971, Terry married the love of his life, Joan Marie Steffa, and together they built a life of 54 years. They were devoted members of All Saints Parish for more than 50 years.
Terry is survived by his immediate family including his wife, Joan Marie Steffa Murrin; his sons Ryan Patrick Murrin (Amy Rankin Murrin) of Denver, Colorado, and Neil Timothy Murrin (Erin Kelly Murrin) of Marion, Iowa; his grandchildren Em and Katherine Murrin, and William, Niall, and Sean Murrin; and his sister, Dr. Jean McDonnell (Dr. Dennis McDonnell) of Onalaska, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Perry Murrin and Ellen Cecilia Davin Murrin.
Terry shared his God-given gifts generously, but always without fanfare. Humble, patient and immeasurably strong, he needed very little in the way of material things, yet gave fundamentally of himself. He offered grace freely, and advice when it was needed — never unsolicited, always worth hearing.
Quiet by nature, he revealed remarkable depth to those who took the time to know him. People were drawn to him naturally, and those who did take that time relished what they found. His curiosity never left him — he was a lifelong reader who collected his favorite books and returned to them again and again. He could fix anything and find a solution to anything.
A proud Irishman and a perfect counterweight to his wife's more spirited nature, Terry was stubborn in the best sense. He loved his family deeply — immediate and extended — and that love was returned to him in full. His passions were simple and genuine: a love of cars, learning, his family, driving his Mustang with the top down, and watching eagles along the river. He volunteered his time reading to residents at Hallmar Retirement Center, and was State-wide coordinator for AARP teaching Senior Driver Safety Courses for many years. He gave freely of his time, without seeking recognition, often unaware of the profound impact he had on those around him.
Above all, Terry mastered the art of being his own man.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Metro Catholic Outreach foodbank