Margie Jean Murtaugh

Funeral services for Margie Jean Murtaugh, age 83, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.  Rev. John Mitchem will officiate.  Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  

Margie died unexpectedly Sunday, November 1, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.  

Margie Jean Murtaugh was born April 2, 1932 in Newry Township, the daughter of Arthur Peter and Victoria Marie (Broulik) Springborg.  Margie grew up in rural Freeborn County and later in Brainerd, MN where she graduated from high school in 1950.  She continued her education in Rochester becoming a registered nurse.  Margie worked as a registered nurse prior to being an instructor at the Naeve School of Nursing.  On June 18, 1960 Margie was united in marriage to James Murtaugh in Albert Lea.  She became an owner/shareholder of the Heart of the Artichoke Antique and Craft Store in 1969, she retired in 1991.  Margie was a former member of the Christ Episcopal Church and currently she was a member of the United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of the Shades of Jade Garden Club and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Margie volunteered as a Master Gardener and at the Story Lady Doll Museum.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening and time spent with her family.  After retirement, she and Jim enjoyed country-western line dancing with a group of friends for many years.  Margie continued to be active up until the time of her death.        

Survivors include her children Michael Murtaugh and special friend Laura Mae Gilbertson, of Albert Lea and Mary Jensen of the Moorhead area; grandchildren Dustin Haroldson, Cody Haroldson, Erin Murtaugh and Tierney Murtaugh; brother Louis (Joan) Springborg; sisters Gwen Harvey and Joyce (Richard) Lowman; several nieces and nephews; and pet cat Tillie.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; daughter-in-law Geri Murtaugh; brother-in-law Harold Harvey and nephew James Harvey.

Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of Freeborn County, United Methodist Church or Christ Episcopal Church.