Gary Murphy

GARY JOHN MURPHY was born to John E. and Dorothy (Petersen) Murphy on May 8, 1940 in Tyler, Minnesota. He spent his youth in Russell and Marshall, Minnesota and attended school at Central Catholic High School in Marshall graduating in 1958. Later that year Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in California. He attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in July of 1964. He returned to Marshall, Minnesota and worked with his father as a bulk fuel driver with the family Standard Oil business. He later worked road construction for McLaughlin & Schultz in Marshall. He then went to work for his brother, Tom at T.R. Murphy Contracting in Worthington, Minnesota until his retirement in 2012. Gary was united in marriage to Terri Hafner on February 28, 1976. Gary was diagnosed with lung cancer two weeks ago. He entered the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota a week ago where he died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at the age of 74 years, 4 months and 30 days.

Gary enjoyed life to the fullest and was an avid outdoorsman. He was truly happiest spending time at the “Hunting Eighty” near Lynd, Minnesota. He loved caring for all his animals and was especially fond of his many cats. He enjoyed attending auctions and was huge fan of watching the Antique Road Show on television. Gary will be remembered by many as a truly great story teller.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Deena Murphy of Norwalk, Wisconsin and Dr. Erin Murphy of Luverne, Minnesota; his former spouse, Terri Murphy of Harmony, Minnesota; his brother, Dennis and his wife Colleen Murphy of Glenwood, Minnesota; a sister, Joy Murphy of St. Anthony, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy; a sister, Judy Erickson; and his brother, Tom Murphy.

Blessed be his memory…