John Samuel McMurtry

John Samuel McMurtry, known affectionately as Murt, was born on October 27, 1967, in Trimont, Minnesota, to Duane and Shirley “Dee” (St. George) McMurtry. He passed away at his home in Graettinger, Iowa, on March 9, 2026, at the age of 58.

Murt graduated from Lincoln Central High School in 1986. He began his career at FS, where he advanced quickly into management, before turning his focus to farming. He farmed on his own and for Jimmy Anderson, cultivating a deep passion for the land and for raising cattle. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, and especially in sharing time with his family, whether at cattle sales or simply gathered together. A longtime member of Calvary Gospel Assembly, he served as a deacon and board member. Murt was known for his generous spirit, always ready with a helping hand or thoughtful advice, and for his love of grilling and smoking meats so that no one left his table hungry. He cherished quiet Saturday and Sunday afternoons watching football with a sweet treat close at hand.

On November 12, 2016, Murt married Michelle Cuthbertson, and together they made their home in Graettinger. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, Ryan (Alyssa) McMurtry of Estherville, Hailey (Michael) Sundall of Ruthven, Brandon McMurtry of Estherville, and Ian Derrickson of Graettinger; his father, Duane McMurtry of Estherville; his sisters, Becky (Sam) Huntley of Scott City, Kansas, and Christine (Adam) Tromblay of Slayton, Minnesota; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley “Dee” McMurtry.