Funeral services for John (Murt) McMurtry, 58, of Graettinger, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Grandview Baptist Church in Estherville with Pastor David Hovinga officiating. Murt died on Monday, March 9, 2026, at his home in Graettinger,
Visitation was Friday at the church in Estherville.
John (Murt) Samuel McMurtry, the son of Duane and Shirley “Dee” (St. George) McMurtry was born October 27, 1967, in Trimont, Minnesota.
He received his education and graduated from Lincoln Central High School in 1986. After graduating from Lincoln Central, Murt worked at FS, where he quickly became a manager. Shortly after that, he began farming on his own, and for Jimmy Anderson. He had a big passion for farming and raising cattle. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Murt loved going to cattle sales with his family.
Over the years he was involved at Calvary Gospel Assembly as a church deacon and board member. You never went hungry with Murt around, because you knew he was always grilling or smoking some type of meat. He enjoyed his Saturday and Sunday afternoons watching football on the couch with a good, sweet treat. He was always willing to give a helping hand and great advice to his friends and family.
On November 12, 2016, he was united in marriage to Michelle Cuthbertson. After their marriage the couple made their home in Graettinger.
Left to cherish Murt’s memory are his wife, Michelle of Graettinger; children, Ryan (Alyssa) McMurtry of Estherville; Hailey (Michael) Sundall of Ruthven; Brandon McMurtry of Estherville; Ian Derrickson of Graettinger; father, Duane McMurtry of Estherville; sisters, Becky (Sam) Huntley of Scott City, Kansas; and Christine (Adam) Tromblay of Slayton, Minnesota; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding John in death was his mother, Shirley “Dee” McMurtry.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.
Online condolences may be left for John’s family at HenryOlsonFuneral.com
