Jerome S. "Jerry" Murtaugh

Jerome S. "Jerry" Murtaugh, age 84, a life-long resident of Hastings, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, November 17, 2021, at Norris Square in Cottage Grove. Jerome Stanley, the fifth son of Joseph and Gertrude (Gergen) Murtaugh, was born on June 19, 1937, in Hastings. Jerry was raised in Cow Town and attended Hastings High School where he was a standout athlete in both basketball and football. Following his graduation with the class of 1955, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army Reserve for six years. In 1957, Jerry began his career at 3M, first working in production and later attended the St. Paul College Pipefitter program. Jerry continued to work at 3M until his retirement after thirty-seven years of service. On April 24, 1976, Jerry was united in marriage to Kristi Hinnenthal in Hastings, and they were blessed with forty-five years of marriage. Jerry was an avid fisherman, and especially enjoyed spending time with his fishing buddies, Keith and Danny, and later settled for Mike. He enjoyed helping family and friends with home improvement projects, traveling with Kristi, watching sports, and volunteering in any way he could. Jerry also enjoyed collecting buttons, his Saturday lunches at either the Legion or The Depot, running, and biking. In his younger years, he also played ball with the Miesville Mudhens and was a Golden Glove Boxer. Most of all, Jerry cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel; brothers, Don and Tom; and by his best friend, Keith Nelsen. Jerry is survived by his wife, Kristi; children, Michael (Sandy) Murtaugh, Katie (Dave) Scharfbillig, and Molly (Andy) Larson; grandchildren, Tim (Maddie) Murtaugh, Nick Murtaugh, Paige Scharfbillig, Isaac Scharfbillig, Finn Larson, and Asher Larson; brothers, Bob (Sarah) Murtaugh, John (Lois) Murtaugh, Father Bill Murtaugh, and Pete (Mary) Murtaugh; the extended Hinnenthal Family; and by many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Jerry's brother Father Bill Murtaugh officiating. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A reception will also follow the service, all at the funeral home. Jerry's family requests those in attendance to please wear masks while joining us for services. In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred to Hastings Park and Recreation for a memorial table at Levee Park next to his son Danny's, or to Hastings Family Service or Hastings YMCA. Jerry, your smile brightened our world, and now it brightens Heaven. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.