Hugh G. Murdoch

Hugh G. Murdoch passed away on January 25, 2023 at the age of 84. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Marilyn (nee Olson), proud father of Hugh John (Elizabeth) and Lynn Marie, and adoring grandfather of Hugh Emmanuel. He is further survived by cousins Janis Pum, James Murdoch, and Vern Rogers.

Hugh was born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin. His father was a skilled craftsman and taught him how to repair just about anything. He graduated from West Allis Central in 1956 and subsequently worked as an auto mechanic to pay for his college education. After attending the UW-Milwaukee and Madison campuses, he decided to pursue a career in dentistry because he enjoyed working with his hands. Hugh graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1964 and established a private practice in Shorewood. He was asked to become a part-time clinical instructor shortly thereafter and he accepted the job in 1965.

As the years went by, he dedicated more of his time to teaching and assumed a full-time position in the Department of Operative Dentistry. He was given the title Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from Marquette University in 2017. His legacy lives on in the dentists and hygienists he trained during his 52 years of service.

Hugh was certified by the U.S. Anti-Doping Association (USADA) for conducting in-competition drug testing and interacted with professional and Olympic athletes across the country for the better part of a decade.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and taking on various DIY projects around the house. He never missed any of his children’s games or activities. He loved snowmobiling in Northern Wisconsin, hacking up the golf course, and trying to catch the big fish that always got away.

Hugh was known for his rugged demeanor and dry sense of humor, but would show his soft side to anyone who got to know him. He will be greatly missed by many.

As he used to tell incoming dental students, “If you are afraid of making mistakes, go to barber school because hair grows back.”

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, February 3rd from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM. Masonic Service at 6 PM by Henry L. Palmer Lodge No. 301, F &AM followed by Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hugh’s name can be sent to the National Kidney Foundation.