Murdock 'Murdy' Binney Juntilla

ARTESIA, N.M. - Murdock "Murdy: Binney Juntilla, greatest husband and Dad ever, passed away in his sleep at his home in Artesia, New Mexico, on July 17, 2023.

He was born Aug. 5, 1931, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Mauno and Ingrid (Johnson) Juntilla. He was one of three children and is survived by his younger sisters, Sally and Mary Jane.

He married Regina "Tootsie" Machesky on April 24, 1954, and they were happily married for 62 years until Regina's passing in 2016. They were long time residents of Ironwood and Oma, Wisconsin, and have three sons, Wally (Colorado), Teddy (Colorado) and Joey (New Mexico), four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Murdy was a U.S. Air Force veteran, served his country with pride and dignity from October 1949 to October 1952, and was honorably discharged. He was an innovator, builder, role model, hunter, fisherman, good neighbor and always took care of his family. He loved being with his many friends and having a good time, and when asked to help you can be sure he was there lending a hand, advice, tools, labor or whatever was needed.

He and Tootsie built a cabin from the ground up on Pike Lake in Wisconsin and they spent many memorable summers together up in the "Northwoods." His most recent dream project was building a 32-foot wooden boat from scratch, which he sadly never got to finish as life got in the way. But he never complained and kept on pushing on. His gentle smile and positive outlook will be sorely missed. His conversations were inspirational, always filled with memories, experiences and humor. An adult beverage was usually present during these numerous, enlightening chats which he conveyed in colorful detail.

Murdy was cremated per his request and his cremains will be mixed with Tootsie's and scattered at their favorite place.

You can honor Murdy's memory by hoisting a cold drink of your choice.