Nel E. (Lange) Murray, 79, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, Iowa. Family will greet friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bellevue.

Nel was born on January 1, 1947, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of Ivan and Dorothy (Ringgenberg) Lange. Her family moved to Elkader, Iowa, where she graduated from Elkader High School in 1965. She later graduated from Upper Iowa University.

She married Virgil Murray on July 13, 1971, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than five decades.

Nel devoted her life to education, teaching for 37 years at Bellevue Elementary School, where she impacted generations of students with patience, kindness, and a deep love of learning. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, P.E.O., the Retired Teachers Association, and a lifetime member of the National Education Association (NEA).

Nel found joy in caring for her plants and garden, teaching, and spending time with her grandchildren. She also loved a good murder mystery, keeping up with current events, collecting antiques, shopping at Younkers, and enjoying afternoon naps. Her faith, gentle spirit, and steady presence were a blessing to all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil Murray; children; Craig (Jodi) Murray, Mike (Amy) Murray, and Megan (Tria) Vang; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Larry (Mary) Lange; two nieces and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-and mother-in-law, Don and Elizabeth Murray; and sisters-in-law, Donna Murray and Beckie Gruver.

A memorial fund has been established in Nel’s memory at the family’s discretion.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com