Obituaries

Stephen Wray Murdock, loving husband, dedicated father, and grandfather was born September 21, 1949 in Iowa City, IA, the son of Clifford G. and Pearl L. (Graham) Murdock, and passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Funeral services have been set for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with burial to follow at Violet Hill Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Murdock Funeral Home.

Steve grew up in Lone Tree, IA, graduating from Lone Tree High School with the class of 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Ann (Lutz) Murdock on August 22,1970 in Lone Tree at the United Methodist Church.

Steve enlisted in the United States Air Force in June of 1968 and was Honorably Discharged in June of 1972. He received an Associate of Science Degree and furthered his Mortuary Science Degree at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, TX, graduating on August 15, 1975.

Steve began his legacy working at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines, IA. In 1978, Steve and Joyce purchased Timeon Funeral Homes in Perry and Woodward. In 1983, they merged with Fouch Funeral Homes in Perry and Yale. Since 1990, they solely ran Murdock Funeral Home in Perry.

Steve spent most of his life listening to and nurturing others in their times of need. In 2016, he was awarded his ruby pin from the Iowa Funeral Directors Association for 40 years of service. When he wasn’t working, he made sure to attend every sporting event or dance recital he could. Each summer between softball games and swim meets, he would spend endless hours on Lake Panorama, running the boat, tubing, and teaching his girls to water ski. Steve devoted his life to his family and making sure there was never a dull moment.

Steve lived selflessly, always dedicating himself to the service of others. His proudest accomplishment was his family, especially his six grandchildren. Steve was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, which led them on several trips to cheer on the Hawks at bowl games and multiple Iowa football games.

Steve was a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Perry Elks Lodge #407, and Otley Masonic Lodge #299.

Steve is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters, Jill (Trent) Stringer of Leawood, KS, Kimberly (Eric) Klingensmith of Ankeny, IA, and Kara (Jason) McKee of Granger, IA; grandchildren, Elise and Bennett Stringer, Savannah and Trinity Klingensmith, and Margo and Graham McKee; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Daryl and Clara Lutz of Lone Tree, IA; two aunts, a niece, two nephews, and cousins. Steve is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Donna Lutz; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials in Steve’s name will be directed to Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be sent to Murdock Funeral Home, 1420 Warford, Street, Perry, IA. Online condolences may be left at murdockfuneralhome.net.