The afternoon of Aug 10, 2018, Karl J Muri, 86, passed into heavenly peace at Holy Rosary Hospice in Miles City after a courageous 10 year journey with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). He was attended by loving and caring family, friends and staff.
Karl was born September 23, 1931, the seventh of nine children, to R.P. and Nellie (Johnson) Muri in Carterville, MT. He was raised on the farm/ranch near Carterville, attended grade school there, and graduated from Custer County High School, class of 1949. He worked for a year driving gas deliveries ‘out south’ for Quinby Hill. In the fall of 1950 he joined the U.S.A.F, following in the footsteps of four brothers and a sister serving their country. He became an aircraft engine crew chief on B-36s, which he greatly enjoyed. Following his honorable discharge in Oct 1954, he returned to Montana. He and Joyce Criswell were married Sept 25, 1955, in Hysham, MT. Six children were born to this union. Family gatherings were a priority and Karl and Joyce took over hosting the Muri Christmas after his folks were unable. They always had an open door as evidenced by several young people staying in their home over the years – some were family and some who became like family. They brought much joy and adventure. There was always room for one more at the table.
Karl was a tender, caring, generous person with a strong work/ play ethic and was a stickler for promptness. He loved to tease and banter with anyone. He was a true ‘people’ person. He loved family and many hours of enjoyment were spent traveling to events involving his kids, grandkids or extended family be it baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer or whatever. Nearly all his grandchildren needed to learn how to play cribbage at an early age and well enough to be a challenge. He liked to fish, either alone, with the kids, and even on the ‘fishless’ Stillwater River.
Karl worked many jobs – from heavy equipment operator, to bartending to numerous sales jobs. He was with the Miles City Fire Department over 19 years until a car accident dictated retirement from that line of work. In 1983 he started working for CCA (later EBMS) selling self-funded group health insurance until retirement.
Karl was active in the Miles City Baseball Association, instrumental in organizing the C.O.P.S. program, served on the City Council, was director of a Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company, and an active member of the United Methodist Church and RSVP. In 1999, he was selected as the Chamber of Commerce Senior of the Year. In retirement, he greatly enjoyed volunteering. He was a patient driver for the VA until he turned 80, served in many places through RSVP, but he found his “home away from home” at the Information Desk at HRH in the last few years. It was his passion and joy.
Preceding Karl in death were his parents, sons Leslie Jay and Douglas Gene, sister Anna Mae Leischner, brothers-in-law Charles Ansoms and Bob Criswell, sister-in-law Dannie (Lockie) Muri, brothers Bob and Pete Muri, brothers and sisters-in-law Bill and Virginia (Reed) Muri, Jim and Alice (Moyer) Muri and Andy & Lorraine (Lockie) Muri. He is survived by his loving wife an nearly 63 years, three sons, Randy (Linda) of Missoula, MT, Rod and Dennis of Billings, MT and daughter Karla (Barney) Murnin of Miles City, MT, eight grandchildren: Kellen (Katie) Havranek, Shelby (Jack) Bukovatz, Riley Muri, Emily (Rueben) Miller, Laura (Ian) MacDonald, Krissy (Koleman) Eades, Joseph Murnin and Ethan (Ashley) Murnin, ten great grandchildren: Benjamin, Lily and Emmarie, Hazel and Edith, Rhyse, Luke and Cole, Ezekiel, Beau and two more on the way, sister Marie “Toots” Ansoms, brother Al “Buck” Muri, sisters-in-law Jean Muri, Anita Muri, Marj Criswell, Dolly Howell and Kay (Bob) Petermann, brother-in-law Bill Leischner, several nieces, nephews and special friends.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Lucas, and her nurse Tracy, of the Frontier Cancer Center and the Oncology nurses and staff and HRH for their dedicated, compassionate care of Karl. We would also like to thank the nurses who cared for him over the years and all of the HRH employees who made “his” Information Desk such a pleasure. Special thanks, also, to Dr. Spooner, Dr. Paudell and Dr. Kecskes for their excellent care and compassion during some rough times. Thanks to all our friends and family for your caring and understanding.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with a time of sharing at 5:15 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors and Fireman honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
If desired, memorials may be made to HRH Hospice Care, 2600 Wilson Street, Miles City, MT 59301, First United Methodist Church, 24 N 11th, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 17, 2018
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday August 17, 2018
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
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Diane Welbes says
So sorry for your loss–he was a great man.
Destiny Carlson says
So sorry for your loss.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted with cherished memories.
Denise and Jay Harvey
jane dighans says
We will miss you so much. Babe your friend the border collie will be missing your wonderful visits on the front step.I learned a great deal from you. Our walks by your place will not be the same after these years. We have been blessed Jim and Jane Dighans
Vikki Bradley says
I am so sorry for your loss, will miss seeing Karl at the front desk of the hospital. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bev and Joe McNurlin says
Our condolences….Such a true gentleman…so great to visit with….we always loved having him come out for tomatoes and stay for a long visit!
Pam Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. Karl was a good man who will be missed by many. Cherish the good memories. R.I.P. Karl
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry, our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Jon & Becky Bass says
Thoughts and Prayers for each of you! What a kind and gentle person and very loving person. Who truly loved his family. What a legacy he leaves behind.
Leigh Palmeri says
So sorry for your loss. Karl was a special man with a magic about him. I’m blessed to have spent time with him.
KEn and Marie Elwood says
Thinking of your family with deepest sympathy in your
loss. May you find comfort remembering the good times.
God bless you .
Tasha Solle says
So sorry for the loss of Karl. You will be missed up front and in my rooms. Rest in peace from your ranch girl.
Gary and Jeanne says
Special memories of Karl and Joyce! What a couple and inspiration for us all! RIP Karl! Your legacy lives on!
Gary and Jeanne Kuchynka
Ray and Terri (Jardine) Schmidt says
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He was such a true gentleman and was always so kind. He will be missed by so many.
Kurt Cadlo says
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met.
Randy Klapmeier says
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back to take you to be with me that you also will be where I am.” John 14:3
Karl, safe with Jesus.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My love and prayers are with you. Karl and Joyce were some of the first people we met when we moved to Miles City, and have remained important people in my life.
Dannette Cremer says
Karl was one of my favorite customers. I will miss my annual trip riding with him to Wibaux. Sending prayers to all of Karl’s family. He will be greatly missed. May he be at peace. Dannette
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Joyce and Family, I was so sorry and sad to read about Karl. Spending many years on the RSVP Council with him, I found out what a genuine, caring, compassionate person he was. We had many visits and giggles together. He will be greatly missed.
Susan Sanderson says
I am so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with him and I have so many great memories to cherish.
I will miss him forever. Please know my love, and prayers are with you all.
Mike Correll says
Dear Joyce and family
Just heard today of Karl’s passing. Our condolences to you. I’m so glad I got one more visit with him. I’ve always counted him and you as close friends, boardering on family. Karl was there many times in my past with words of wisdom when I truly needed them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joyce.
Mike
GARY AND PAT HELM AND FAMILY says
SO SORRY TOHAR ABOUT KARL, HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Beth Correll says
Hi sweet Joyce,
So now is the time. The Lords timing of perfection is difficult for us to understand. But he knows what he’s doing. Love you both so. And I’m thrilled for all of our
Eternal home.
Isaiah 35:10…they will enter Zion with sing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them.
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Jim and Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Joyce and family,
We have such good memories of Karl, both working and visiting with him at the church and his visits to the office to talk markets and politics. He was a fine person. You are in our prayers.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Stein Ken says
DearJoyce and family,
My Prayers and Thoughts are with you.
May Karl rest in the arm of his Lord and Savior.
What a glorious vision to imagine that he is finally resting
In a body with no pain. Bless you and the family.
Vicki Morikawa says
Joyce, Karla, Randy, Rod and Dennis,
So very sorry to hear of your husband/father’s passing. My Mom called and let me know last night. When I would come over to pick up Karla, Karl always had a great hug and smile that I will remember forever. You have a wonderful family and I know that Karl helped build and nurture that and was very proud and loved you all. We were all blessed for having him in our lives. Cherish all your memories.
God Bless you all,
Vicki (Elmore) Morikawa
Robin Jung - Schatz says
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad that I got to visit with you and Karl last week. Death is never easy for those left behind. Karl and I talked briefly while I was in with him about dying. He was so glad to have spend his years with you and your children. He loved the travelling you took together and so happy and blessed to get to share it with you. Both of you were great neighbors who welcomed everyone in to your home, even when we could be obnoxious friend’s of your children. I am so sorry for your loss, but know you are held close to my heart during this time. Thank you for everything you have done for my Dad and please feel free to call upon me if needed. Love and prayers to all of you.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Sorry for the loss of your loved one
Peggy and Chuck says
Thinking of you and your family during this time! Remembering all the kids activities we attended enjoyed together, great memories. Our thoughts!
Tracy Kurkoski says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this great American. I am a better person for getting to the Muri’s. Joyce- you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs.
Tracy K, LPN
Dave Schott and family says
Joyce and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Karl was a terrific member of the community who will be greatly missed.
Susan Moreno says
So sorry for your loss. A stand out guy went to heaven!
Harold HERT family says
God Bless you and yours
Shannon Holmen says
So sorry, but I can’t help but think of what a wonderful reunion it must be for Karl and his sons. My prayers.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Muri Family,
So sorry about Karl. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. Always giving to his family and community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Cori Munsell says
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man!
Maureen O'Reilly says
Joyce, Rod and all – I was so sorry to read of Karl’s passing in the paper this morning. The whole community thought so much of him and he will be missed by so many people. He fought and long, hard fight and rest assured he is no long suffering and watching over you from above. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this difficult time.
Dean Holmes says
hats off to a man who served in every corner of his town. with respect, Dean.
LARRY VEVERKA says
I got to know Karl when he was elected to be a director for the Montana Farmers Mutual Ins. Co. What a wonderful sense of humor and he enjoyed giving me many happy and enjoyable moments. He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life. Thanks Karl for all the great memories.
Larry & Roxie Veverka
Harriet Morton Jansen says
Joyce and Family, sorry to hear the passing of Karl. The Muri’s were Cartersville friends. May his memories bring all of you comfort at this time. God be with all of the families. Harriet Morton Sleaford Jansen and Veryl Jansen.
Marc Hartse says
Condolences from Denise and myself. I will miss talking to Karl. Even though we didn’t see him that often we always had pleasant conversations over the course of more years than I care to think of. Our sympathies to the whole Muri family.
Connie Gillette says
Karl was one of the nicest gentlemen I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I loved the warmth of the whole family, and cherished his friendliness, banter and wise words. Please accept my deepest condolences; my love, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Cindy Hazen says
Joyce and family, we are so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. We didn’t get to see you all much, but enjoyed the time we did. He was a wonderful man.
Prayers are with you all.
Karl & Cindy Hazen
John Munsell says
I always enjoyed working with Karl on RSVP activities. He was the ultimate gentleman: kind and cordial. Am sure he left lots of great memories.
Diane Peanuts L Money says
Joyce and Family-
So very sorry to hear about Uncle Karl as we called him-What a man! My dad so loved those Muri Boys! They were all great friends who took care of each other when needed-It was all about family! How lucky we were to have grown up with him around to watch after us-Prayers are coming your way -Keep the Memories close !
Voni Tally says
Karl was such a great guy- truly always just nice & caring! All your memories have to be wonderful! Wishing God’s blessings to all of you in your continued time of need. Scott & Voni Tally
Sonja Crocker says
Prayers for all.
Juanita Ross says
Dennis and family – sending condolences during a time of transition.
Joan Damm Smith says
Dear Karla, Randy and Rod,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father- I will will never forget him Karla at our basketball games during high school. We were so lucky to have such wonderful parents that supported us back then.
May God Bless your family during this hard time.
Joan Smith
Anita Scheeler says
Karla and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. May God wrap his arms around you during this difficult time. Jim and Anita Scheelet
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Joyce,
Just learned of Karl’s passing. Sad but assume a blessing considering his cancer. But that is not much of comfort after living with a guy for 60+ years. A true gentleman and a friend of the Heitschmidt’s. We are blessed to have known both of you and we send you our love and admiration for two lives well lived.
Love,
Rod and Sue
Kimber Gebhardt says
Joyce,
I’m so sorry about Karl. I just heard about his passing. May your memories live on during the hard days.
All my love,
Kimber Nelson Gebhardt
Connie (Hruska) Brown says
My sister, Tammy, notified me of the loss of Karl. On behalf of the entire Hruska/Criswell family, I offer our love and support. I have such fond memories of Karl and your family as I was growing up and attending family reunions.