Phil, Susan, and Alex Murtaugh are not native to Manitowoc County—but they quickly came to call it home. Their introduction to the area was serendipitous.  While driving their Spanish exchange student up to Door County one beautiful weekend, they stopped at the Rahr West Art Museum and were instantly captivated by its impressive permanent collection. After that visit, they continued north and discovered a stunning lakefront property just outside of Two Rivers. That sealed the deal—they moved permanently to the area in 2002.

Phil and Susan retired from their Chicago-based advertising firm, Wardrop Murtaugh and Temple. After settling into their new community, Susan transitioned into a leadership position with Kimberly-Clark and became involved with local nonprofits. She served two terms as President of the Service League of Manitowoc County, loving the opportunity to give back and connect with others who cared deeply about their community.

A gifted graphic designer, illustrator, and creative director, Susan’s career was shaped by a pivotal opportunity: a full-ride scholarship to the Chicago Academy of Fine Art in 1968. Without the financial means to attend college otherwise, this scholarship changed her life. It launched a successful career, led her to meet Phil, and sparked a family legacy of creativity, eventually joined by their son, Alex.

Susan is a pioneer in the Mobile Digital Art movement, blending technology and traditional art in innovative ways. She had been working digitally for years before the release of the iPhone.  When it launched, she partnered with app developers to shape the earliest mobile painting and drawing programs. More than 20 years later, she continues to serve as a beta tester for the Sketchbook app and has tutored artists around the world. She has also curated international digital art exhibitions in San Francisco, Toronto, and Las Vegas—experiences she still describes as the most exciting and fulfilling of her career.

Sadly, Phil passed away in 2020, and Susan is successfully navigating her own cancer journey with strength and optimism. Through it all, she and Alex have remained committed to giving back to the place they love. With thoughtful planning and generous hearts, they are honored to pay forward the life-changing opportunity that shaped Susan’s journey. By providing scholarships for graduates of Lincoln High School, Mishicot High School, and Two Rivers High School, they find joy in knowing they are opening doors, transforming young lives, and helping to build a brighter future for all.