Frank worked on the family farm until 1951, when he joined the United States Navy and served in Korea. While still in the Navy, he married Patricia Jane Clarey on January 3, 1953, in Denison, Iowa. Following his discharge from the service in 1954, Frank and Patricia made their home in Harlan, Iowa. He was employed first at Gamble's for a year before working at Farner's Department Store as a department manager; he continued there until 1989. Frank then worked as a Harlan Community School janitor until his retirement, several years later.
Frank was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. He was also a member of the Helmer Reyelt American Legion Post #150, and the VFW Post #941, both of Harlan, Iowa. Raising his family was Frank's greatest pleasure. Along with Patricia, he enjoyed dancing, listening to music, and traveling.
Francis "Frank" J. Murtaugh died on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at his son's home in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 88 years, 6 months, and 4 days.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Murtaugh, on November 4, 1999; three brothers, Bob Murtaugh, Joe Murtaugh, and Pat Murtaugh; one sister, Doro...[more]
O'Daniel; and one infant daughter, Mary Patricia Murtaugh. He is survived by five sons, Dan (partner, Chris Brown) Murtaugh of Kansas City, Missouri, Tom (Jill) Murtaugh of Harlan, Iowa, Bob Murtaugh of Harlan, Iowa, Bill (Mary Sue) Murtaugh of Loveland, Colorado, and John F. (MaryAnn) Murtaugh of Harlan, Iowa; two daughters, Theresa Kane of Florida, New York, and Kathleen Noeth of Harlan, Iowa; one sister, Betty Osterlund of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
A Family Rosary and a Wake Service were held on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. The Memorial Mass was held on Monday, March 12, 2018, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Father John Frost and Father David Polich celebrating. Kathleen Kohorst and Irelynn McMurphy served as musicians. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
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