Thomas Murtha

Thomas F. Murtha, veteran, 3rd generation attorney, and lifelong advocate for justice, passed away at the age of 82 on January 15, 2017 at St. Benedicts Health Center. 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Katherine (Miklautsch) Murtha, their sons, Thomas F. IV (Janilyn) of Dickinson, J. Patrick (Dana) of Northfield, MN, Daniel (Sarah) of Plymouth, MN, and William of Dickinson, his daughter Sherry Ashby of Reno, NV, 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; brother, Patrick; and sister Maureen (Murtha) Calcaterra.

Thomas was born January 17, 1934 in Dickinson, North Dakota. He entered the US Army following high school graduation, serving from 1954-1956. 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.

A funeral Mass for Thomas will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday January 24, 2017 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Visitation will be 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday January 23rd, at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil service starting at 7:00 PM.

Burial Date: January 24, 2017
Church Queen of Peace Catholic Church

Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM, Tuesday January 24, 2017 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Visitation:  1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday January 23rd at Stevenson Funeral Home
Rosary and vigil Service: 7:00 PM., Monday, January 23rd at Stevenson Funeral Home