Thomas Murdock

Thomas R. Murdock, age 70 of Montello, passed away on Tuesday December 02, 2014 at his home. He was born on January 09, 1944 in Terre Haute, IN to Melvin and Doris (Gibbons) Murdock. Tom graduated from Gerstmeyer Technical High School in Terre Haute in 1962. After graduating Tom enlisted in the Marine Corp, and after completing basic training he married the love of his life, Phyllis Ripple on December 24, 1962 in Terre Haute, IN. Tom proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. He was a Free and Accepted Mason of Wisconsin, Quincy Lodge 71 in Friendship, and also a member of the Westfield V.F.W.

Tom had a great appreciation for music and enjoyed attending concerts with his family. He passed along this love for music to his children and showed them how to enjoy a good country song. Tom enjoyed technology and playing games on his computer. He was fond of animals and especially his two little rat terriers, Pistol and Trouble. Tom was employed at the Terre Haute Penitentiary and in 1974 he transferred to the Federal Correctional Institute in Oxford, WI and retired from there in 1994. He also bartended at the School House Tavern over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, two children, James (Lori) Murdock, Wisconsin Dells and Vicki Zajda (Todd Perlberg), Montello; 4 grandchildren, Caleb Forsythe, Brianna and Zach Zajda and Michael Perlberg; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

A memorial service for Tom will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home of Westfield with Pastor Terry Temanson and Mr. Lyle Snyder officiating. Full military honors will follow the service at the funeral home. A memorial visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Tom with his family & friends.