Michael W. McMurtry
Michael was born in Crawford, NE (above the grocery store) to Wayne and Sarah (Hills) McMurtry. He grew up in Ogallala, NE and graduated from Ogallala High School. Michael then attended and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan and, then, Iliff School of Theology. He served as pastor of the United Methodist Church for over 40 years. While serving the United Methodist Church, Michael loved to participate, organize, and chaperon youth and adult mission trips. While living in Ravenna, NE, he served as a volunteer EMT and Firefighter with the Ravenna Fire and Rescue. Michael served as a chaplain on the Chaplaincy Corps for Lincoln Fire and Rescue and the Lincoln Police Department for 28 years. He also served as Chaplain for Bryan Hospital after he retired from full-time ministry.
Michael was an avid reader all of his life. He continued to be active in Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed cooking several Wednesday Night Bites and Thanksgiving Dinners at the Church. Michael enjoyed traveling, both foreign and domestic. He traveled to Europe with Michele and Nancy, to Disney World (several times) with his grandchildren, and to Panama, Alaska, PNW, and many other places with his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Sarah McMurtry; his first wife, Nancy Lou (Wray) McMurtry; and his sister, Pat Pike.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Michele; his grandchildren, Lara, Hana, and Kinsey (Kai); his great-grandchild, Elena; and his Shiba Inu, Foxy.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, at Christ United Methodist Church at 4530 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510.
Memorials to the family for future designation. Condolences may be sent to www.aspenaftercare.com.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Michael W. McMurtry
Carol~ So very sorry for your loss. We worked together for Tabitha in Lincoln around 2003 to 2005. Very fond memories of you and the times in bad weather (like this winter) that Mike would drive you to a death visit to keep you safe. In my garden still grow the iris that you gifted me. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you. May God bring you peace and comfort during the days ahead.
We know he is in a better place!
Our prayers and sympathies are with Carol and all the family!
Steven, LaVonne and Helen Marsh
I am so sorry for your loss, Mike was always so kind, and I have very fond memories of him as I was growing up at CUMC.
Carol, I am so sorry; I always appreciated Mike for his good humor & many talents.. pat meierhenry
We miss him greatly already. Prayers for Carol and the family.
Prays with the family
I have great memories of Pastor Mike from the Ravenna days
Mike will be missed by so many. Blessings to you all.
Pastor McMurtry married my wife and I on October 9, 2011 at the Sunken Gardens. Call it coincidence or fate, but not only did he touch our lives in that way, we also discovered that we had ties in Ogallala and Ravenna. I wish I would have taken the time to get to know him better. Sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry not to see Mick at future OHS Class of ’60 reunions. He was a kind and thoughtful person. My condolences to his family.
Carol, you and the rest of the family have our thoughts, prayers, and sincere sympathy.
Vicky and David Amen
Carol, our hearts are breaking at the news of Mike’s passing. Heaven is rejoicing in his arrival there. It’s those left behind that are sad & feel his absence, but Mike’s in a better place with his savior. He impacted many lives, including mine. He will be missed.
Condolences to the McMurtry family, who he leaves to cherish his legacy of memories, wife, daughter, grandchildren, extended relatives and friends, sorry for the loss of your loved one, please take comfort in each other as you all continue to mourn his passing. (Isaiah 25:8)
To the family: I very much admired Mike and his beliefs. He was my pastor when I was growing up. I have very fond memories of him, what he taught me, and how he conducted his life. I know he touched my heart.