Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas Murtha Obituary
DICKINSON - Thomas F. Murtha, veteran, third-generation attorney and lifelong advocate for justice, passed away at the age of 82 on Jan. 15, 2017, at St. Benedict's Health Center. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. MST Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. MST Monday at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a rosary and vigil service starting at 7 p.m. MST.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Katherine (Miklautsch) Murtha; their sons, Thomas F. IV (Janilyn), Dickinson, J. Patrick (Dana), Northfield, Minn., Daniel (Sarah), Plymouth, Minn., and William, Dickinson; his daughter, Sherry Ashby, Reno, Nev.; and 12 grandchildren, Gregory, Justin, Katie, Chase, Gabbie, Oscar, Max, Thomas F. V, Gwyneth, Hazel, Brooklyn and Rhiannon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas F. and Mary Gladys (Gearty) Murtha; his daughters, Connaught and Mary Katherine; his brother, Patrick; and sister, Maureen (Murtha) Calcaterra.
Thomas was born Jan. 17, 1934, in Dickinson. He entered the U.S. Army following high school graduation, serving from 1954-56. During that time he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). Subsequent to his service, he attended the University of North Dakota and Dickinson State University. Thomas and Katherine (Karen) married on June 19, 1967. Thomas notably began his law career in 1966, being the last attorney admitted to the North Dakota bar after serving a law office apprenticeship without also attending law school. Thus began a law career that spanned five decades and was filled with the relentless commitment to help and advocate for justice on behalf of others. Thomas was presented the Light of Justice award in 2004, by the North Dakota Trial Lawyers Association in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the cause of protecting the rights of injured persons. Thomas will be remembered by many for being the voice for those who had none.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfunderalhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Murtha
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Thomas Murtha's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Murtha
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Murtha's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
