Pete Raymond Muri, age 78, of Miles City, MT passed away at his home on Monday, April 7, 2014, surrounded by his family and dearest loved ones after a long and fulfilling life and a three-year journey with cancer. Pete was a gentle man who loved his family, being a cowboy, cheering the UM Grizzlies, and enjoying the Montana outdoors.
Pete was born the youngest of nine children on the family ranch near Cartersville, MT, on June 12, 1935, to Rasmus and Nellie (Johnson) Muri. He was raised on the family ranch and graduated from Custer County High School in 1953.
Pete was a phenomenal athlete, playing football and basketball for the Custer County Cowboys and baseball through the legion program. Upon graduation, he became a two-sport collegiate athlete for the University of Montana Grizzlies, playing football and basketball. He was part of a particularly talented freshman group of basketball players known across the state and region as the Fabulous Frosh in 1954. He had a notable work ethic in everything he did, including playing sports, often showing up an hour early for practice to condition and warm-up and then being the last one to leave after he practiced the new plays three more times or shot around to perfect his accuracy. His commitment inspired many.
He came from a family where American pride runs deep. He followed in the family tradition by joining six of his siblings by serving his country in the Army. When he found out there wasn’t a war going on, he played football and baseball throughout Europe on the Army teams. In one football game in particular, Pete caught an extraordinary and memorable nine completions for seven touchdowns. A German sportswriter wrote an article saying he would bet a hat full of pennies that nobody had ever done what Pete accomplished in a single game. He earned honorable mention honors in football for the Army Times All-Army Teams in 1957. He then received a call from Bab Jaron of the Canadian Football League recruiting Pete to play professional football north of the border; after playing football in the Canadian Football League, he returned home to Miles City. Sports were always an important part of his life. In his young adult years, he enjoyed spending time with his brother Buck and his athletically talented family. He took particular interest in practicing with his nephews Jeff and Ron Muri and enjoyed seeing them excel, as well, at the elementary, high school and college levels. In his leisure, he enjoyed playing on a number of recreational softball leagues, including on the 600 Lounge team for several years.
On April 9, 1973, he married Anita Shores and to their union two children were born and raised, Troy and Lynnette. Family always came first to Pete and Anita and brought tremendous pride and joy. He enjoyed watching and coaching their many sporting events and cherished all the special memories a family creates along life’s journey. In recent years, Pete especially enjoyed watching, coaching, and cheering his grandchildren in all that they pursued.
An equally important part of Pete’s life was his love of horses and country life. He worked on various ranches and enjoyed the long rides and good laughs on the family-owned Muri Ranch near Moon Creek. As the kids grew, he enjoyed teaching the kids how to rope, spending many long days in the saddle and raising the kids with a love for the wide-open spaces and the simple pleasures of the outdoors. The family often enjoyed reflecting on the many stories created during these times around the table playing pinochle. Time in the country and riding horse were an important part of Pete’s life and there were few things he enjoyed more than spending those special moments with his family.
Pete and Anita and Janice and Tom Mostoller started their own business artificially inseminating horses and training them to sell and show for a hobby. He was taking care of the horses up until he was diagnosed with cancer.
Pete worked for General Adjustment Bureau, Eastern Montana Brokerage, and at the time of his death was with Montana Claims Service of Miles City.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, son Troy (Jackie Marquart) and 2 grandsons, Logan and Bridger of Miles City and daughter Lynnette (Lenny) Brown and 4 children, Freddy, and step grandchildren Dakota, Elijah and Bailey of Billings; 3 brothers Bill, Al “Buck” (Danetta Lockie) and Karl (Joyce Crisswell) of Miles City and 1 sister Marie (Ansoms) from California and Jean Muri, sister-in-law; 2 sisters-in-law Neva Lawrenz (Bill Shipp) of Laurel and Janice (Tom Mostoller) of Salt Lake City and Miles City; 3 brothers-in-law Rodney (Jane) Shores, Glenn Shores of Miles City and Robert Emmett of Arizona and many special nieces and nephews, and his trusty horse, Chico.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sister Anna Mae Leischner, brother-in-law Charles Ansoms, brothers Bob, brothers and sisters-in-law Andy and Lorraine (Lockie) and Jim and Alice (Moyer), and sister-in-law Virginia (Reed) Muri; Mother and Father-in-law Forrest and Helen Shores and sister-in-law Darlene (Shores) Emmett.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Lucas and all of the wonderful nurses at the Frontier Cancer Center who always provided excellent and gentle care to Pete. The family would also like to thank Dr. Banta for never giving up until Pete had a correct diagnosis and to Dr. Lieb and all the nurses of Holy Rosary Health Center for their dedicated care for Pete. The family would also like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of our family and friends who helped care for Pete after he returned home from the hospital.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be
held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire memorials may be made in Pete’s honor to Miles City Baseball Association, Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Hom
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 12, 2014
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Hom
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 12, 2014
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Linda & Matt says
Heaven got another wonderful Angel today. Our hearts & prayers go out to all of you! You know we’re here for you .
Love you guys,
Linda & Matt
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Anita and family, Bob and I are sending our prayers for you. Pete was a great and wonderful person. Cherish the many memories. Last time I saw Pete we were both having problems with the ATM and laughing about it – wondering if it was us or the machine. We decided to get help or we would never get our money.
Bob and Sandy Hays
Donna says
Anita and family:
So sorry for your loss–our prayers are with you.
Bill and Donna Ronning
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Anita and Family.
You are all in my prayers.
Donna
TJ and Tana Kiel says
Anita and family – We are so sorry to hear. Pete was a wonderful, kind man, and he reminded me SO much of my own grandpa! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
TJ and Tana Kiel
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Anita and family,
We are saddened to hear of Pete’s passing and are keeping you in daily prayers. He was a great guy who fought a hard battle. We are sorry we can’t be at the services.
May God be with you.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles
Steve Thibault say; says
Anita and Family;
Sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayes.
Steve
Kim Stanton says
Dear Anita and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dearest Pete. We enjoyed getting to know him a bit through Dan’s work with MT Claims. We are keeping you all close in thought and prayer as you celebrate his life and yet grieve his loss. Sending prayers your way for peace, comfort, and consolation from the Lord.
Kim and Dan Stanton
Jarett Gundlach says
Anita and family.
Sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I really enjoyed my time with him and I have always held him in very high regard. Our thoughts are with your family.
Jarett and Jennifer Gundlach
Jay Dee and Janis Anderson says
Anita and Family-
We are very sad to hear about your loss. Pete was such a fun guy to be around and always so positive. He loved those horses so much! We have you in our prayers and will miss him.
Jan & Jay Dee
Sherry Oster says
Dear Anita and family;
Thinking and praying for you during this most difficult time.
Sherry
Diane Welbes says
Anita–so sorry for your loss, he is with Our Lord, and what a great place to be. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Anita and family,
So sorry to hear about Pete’s passing and my heart and prayers go out to all of you. Pete was a wonderful man and always had time for people and a warm smile. May God bless you all during this difficult time.
Maureen
Carlene Root says
Anita and families, You and your families are in my prayers. Prayer really helps you through this. Carlene Root
Gene and Carol Markuson says
We were so sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. I enjoyed working and visiting with Pete. I know you have many good memories to draw on to get you through this difficult time. God
Bless.
Troy Ferris says
Dear Anita and Family,
Dolly and I always enjoyed seeing Pete. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.
Val and Larry Edwards says
Anita and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. Our prayers go out to all of you. Pete was a great man and always had time to stop and visit with anyone at any time. God bless you all in this difficult time.
Larry and Val
Lynn Holom Harper says
Dear Anita and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Jeff and Kristine Harding says
Dear Anita and family,
Our sympathies to you all. You are in our thoughts during this very difficult time.
Laura & Monte Monasmith says
Pete was more than a boss, he was a friend. Heaven is a brighter place now with him there. Anita and family know that he will truly be missed. I feel blessed to have known him.
Jennifer Henke says
Anita – I’m sorry to hear you have lost your husband. I am forever thankful for your kind and loving care toward my mom as she has been struggling recently. My thoughts are with you.
Brian Wendy Brady Maggie Mostoller says
Uncle Pete, thanks for all the wonderful memories. Your spirit stays strong in your family, your loves, and your land. May God bless and bring peace to Aunt Anita, Troy, Lynette, and all of the family. We love you.
Tater Patch says
Anita, Troy, & Lynette so sorry for your loss. Pete Muri was by far one of the most cared about & loved people that i know. I will miss our times at the airport inn & overall times talking about sports. I will be praying for all of you. God Bless all of you.
Joe E. Lee says
Anita,
My thoughts and paryers are with you at a very emotional time. I am glad so that i got to spend a short time with you and Pete last September. We know Pete is in a better palace, that will welcome him. He was a great and true friend, and will always be remembered. His grandma lived next door to us in Miles City, and I did chores for her. She shared a piece of her wedding cake that was about 50 years old with me once after I had chopped wood for her. She advised that every anniversity, she ate a piece of the cake. I felt very honored to eat that piece of cake. God Bless.
Bruce Shipp says
It was a pleasure & honor to been able to sit with uncle Pete on Monday & Tuesday afternoons the last 3 weeks while he was home. A couple of things that I will hold in my memory was he always told me as I was growing up was that if I wanted something than you have to go get it & if you need something than you will have to earn it. As I started my football officiating in High School and College he would call me and ask questions on some rules. Boy I had to be sharp because one of his famous words was they don’t have a CLUE, so if I was wrong he would let myself know that I didn’t have a CLUE. I also had the opportunity to be there with him and his family of his last hours. Just remember Aunt Anita, Troy, & Lynette that Jan, Riley & myself are there for you at anytime. Our Thoughts & Prayers are there for you as well. RIP Uncle Pete. Riley, Jan & Bruce.
Renee Peterson says
Anita,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Renee
Marie Carnesecca - Michelle's Mom says
Dear Anita,
What a “Beautifully Written Tribute” to your loved one. You are a very strong lady, and Pete’s tenacity through his valiant fight to carry on these past few years, is truly an inspiration.
Love & Prayers to You and Your Family,
Marie
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Anita and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now and in the days to come. Cherish your memories and hold each other close. God Bless.
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry.
Art McRae says
I had the honor of attending CCHS with Pete. he was a good friend, classmate and teammate. I cherish the memories of our association. Pete was a very special person. I remember him as a quiet, gentle, individual with a fierce competitive spirit. I always looked forward to our visits when I returned to Miles City. Sincere condolences to Anita and family. Thanks for the amazing obituary in Pete’s honor.
Art McRae
Eric Mostoller and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Aunt Anita, Troy and Lynette. We are grateful for the memories we, and especially the kids, have of Pete and his love for the horses and pasture. May you be strengthened and comforted by wonderful memories at this time or sorrow.
Sheryl Kransky says
Dear Anita and family,
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am glad that I called and spoke with you the night before Anita.
Take care and God’s Blessings to all of you.
Claira Bromley says
We are so sorry for your loss, we have many memories of all the Muri’s, Grandpa R.P fishing off the old Yellowstone bridge at Carterville, Bill selling us insurance, Pete playing baseball, and we still receive Christmas cards from Aunt Jean, the memories go on and on when you know a family for so long. All of the family was so friendly and wonderful to all that knew them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Sincerely,
Ron and Claira Bromley
Florence, My. Formally from Rosebud and Forsyth