James Edwin Murtaugh

James Edwin Murtaugh was born in Albert Lea on June 14, 1928, the son of Michael and Erna (Tank) Murtaugh. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1946 and served in the U.S. Army from 1946-48. He then attended the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis from 1949-50 in the power program. He was recalled by the Army to serve in Korea in 1950-51. Following this he returned to Dunwoody to complete his studies. In 1953 he was employed by Wilson & Co. as a steam engineer in the power plant for over thirty years. On June 18, 1960 Jim was united in marriage to Margie Springborg in Albert Lea.  Jim was a former member of Christ Episcopal Church, and a member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Eagles Lodge, and a former member of the Masonic Lodge, Apollo Commandery. Jim loved working on a steam-powered automobile which he himself custom built. He was a devoted reader and was well known for his excellent memory for details.  In his retirement Jim took dancing classes and loved to go dancing with his wife Margie. They danced for several years on the Eagles Cancer Telethon in Rochester. Jim was very interested in following current news events and politics, especially on his iPad. He enjoyed working on maintaining his yard and home. Blessed be his memory.
Survivors include his wife Margie of Albert Lea; children Michael Murtaugh and special friend Laura Mae Gilbertson, of Albert Lea and Mary Jensen of the Morehead area; grandchildren Dustin Haroldson, Cody Haroldson, Erin Murtaugh, and Tierney Murtaugh; brother-in-law Louis (Joan) Springborg; sisters-in-law Gwen Harvey, and Joyce (Richard) Lowman; several nieces and nephews; and pet cats Tigger and Tillie, whom he adored..
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Erna Murtaugh, daughter-in-law Geri Murtaugh, and brother Leonard Murtaugh.