Robert J. Murtaugh MD

Murtaugh Robert J. Murtaugh, MD age 76, of St. Paul, at Tucson, AZ, on March 27th. "A man of Integrity," "Bob" was born on Nov. 9, 1927 to Bernard & Emma McLain Murtaugh in Elroy, Wisc. He lived a life of honesty, determination, faith, and a deep desire for knowledge. He attended schools in Winona, MN and served in the US Army, first as an Infantry Sergeant, and then commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in ordnance, stationed at Rossford Depot in Toledo, Ohio. After discharge, he pursued his dream of becoming a doctor and completed his MD degree in 1955 at the University of Minnesota. After interning at Mpls. General Hospital, he practiced at Wadena, MN for 11 years, enjoying the challenges and rewards of rural practice. His career continued as Director of Student Health at St. Olaf College, Northfield and then a 1971 residency in Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. He was a man of unending compassion and respect for his patients, and as Inpatient Psychiatrist and Consultant he welcomed and appreciated the support and professionalism of his staff and colleagues at Mpls. Veterans Hospital for 30 years, the Hazelden Foundation at Center City, Fellowship Club, and HCYF for 25 years. As a teacher and mentor, he thrived on his relationships with medical students and residents. Being a man of faith and professional growth, he served, volunteered and requested means and positions in his church, neighborhood, and professional organizations, AMA, APA, MMA, MPA, and the Ramsey County Medical Society. Being a man of diverse interests, his leisure time was devoted to gardening, bird watching, Gopher basketball, pool playing, reading, seminars, and conferences. A man of enduring love for his family, he is survived by: Adeline "Addy" Radechel Murtaugh, his wife of 51 years; son, Robert Jay Murtaugh DVM (Debra) of Holliston, MA; daughter, Beth June Orenstein MD (Kevin) of Liberty Lake, WA; grandchildren who were the center of his life, Kendyl & Hunter Murtaugh and Emily & Mara Orenstein; his brother, Bernard J. Murtaugh (Beverly) of Winona, MN; and sister, Charlotte Requarth (Richard) of Ignace, Ontario. Friends and Relatives are invited to gather with his family to say goodbye to this unassuming but extraordinary man. Funeral Services will be held 3 PM Saturday, April 3rd, 2004 at ROSEVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1215 W. Roselawn Ave. Roseville, MN. Visitation 4-8 PM Friday at THE ROSEVILLE MEMORIAL CHAPEL 2245 No. Hamline Ave. (1 blk. So. Hwy #36) Roseville and 2- 3 PM Sat. prior to services at Church. Interment will be Monday, April 5th at Woodlawn Cemetery Winona, MN. To support his interests, memorials are preferred to the American Lung Assoc. of MN for COPD & smoking prevention, or the MN Medical Foundation Scholarship Program for medical students.