Richard "Dick" Murtaugh

Richard "Dick" Murtaugh, age 71 of Hastings, died peacefully following a recent illness on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Richard Paul, the youngest child of Paul and Gretta (Stielow) Murtaugh, was born on November 22, 1946, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1964, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy and later received an Honorable Discharge. Dick was a longtime employee at Control Data, and retired after forty-two years of employment as a computer technician. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 47 in Hastings, as well as on the District level where he served as District Commander. Dick enjoyed watching T.V., traveling for Legion Conventions and work trips, and participating in 40 8 Club. After thirty-seven years of friendship, Dick was united in marriage to Sheryl Fox on March 11, 2017, in Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Murtaugh; sister-in-law, Cheryl Murtaugh; and by his nephews, Jimmy Murtaugh and Dennis Murtaugh. Dick is survived by his wife, Sheryl Fox-Murtaugh; daughters, Corrie (John) Betker and Rachel Mayer (significant other, Zack Eastlick); grandchildren, Austin Bauer and Hunter Mayer; brothers, Pat Murtaugh and Jim (Marilyn) Murtaugh; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorial services will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held 12:45 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2018, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be held 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to American Legion Hospital Association in memory of Dick. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.