Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green Mourns the Passing of BGSU Athletics Hall of Famer and All-American Tim Murnen
October 15, 2025 | Football
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Athletics is saddened to share the passing of BGSU Athletics Hall of Famer and All-American lineman John Timothy "Tim" Murnen, who died on October 11, 2025. He was 89 years old.
A native of Campbell, Ky., Murnen was a standout on Coach Doyt Perry's Falcon football teams from 1955-57, a dominant era in program history in which Bowling Green lost just two games over three seasons. Known for his toughness, leadership, and consistency, Murnen captained the 1957 team and was named the Falcons' Most Valuable Player in back-to-back seasons.
A two-time All-Mid-American Conference honoree and honorable mention All-American, Murnen was recognized among the finest linemen of his time. His contributions helped lay the foundation for the program's rise under Perry, who guided the Falcons to national prominence.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Murnen was inducted into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.
After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Murnen was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and later played semi-professionally for the Toledo Tornados. He went on to a successful teaching and coaching career in the Toledo area, including serving as head football coach at Toledo Start High School. Later in life, he worked in real estate and property renovation.
A proud Falcon for life, Murnen remained an avid supporter of BGSU Football—listening to the Falcons defeat Toledo on the day of his passing.
Murnen was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Patti Jane (Haverman) Murnen, and is survived by his four daughters—Susan (Jeff Ustick), Sandra (Bob McGovern), Sarah (Joy Brennan), and Amy (Christopher Kuchers, deceased)—along with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 3–6 p.m. at Reeb Funeral Home (5712 N. Main St., Sylvania, Ohio). Interment will take place Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Toledo Memorial Park, followed by a reception at Te'Kela (5147 Main St., Sylvania, Ohio).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross.
Bowling Green State University Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the Murnen family and all who knew and loved Tim.