Michael D. Murphy, Sr. of Port Byron, IL, age 79, passed away on Dec 16th succumbing to injuries sustained in an automobile accident that occurred two months ago in Scottsdale, AZ. He passed peacefully surrounded by his Wife, Children, Grandchildren, Brothers, Sisters and loved ones in Sun City, AZ.
Services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center in Sun City, AZ. Visitation will be from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 with the committal service immediately following. A celebration of Mike’s life and 80th birthday celebration Open House will be held on January 10, 2020 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Hyatt Place East Moline/ Quad Cities. Family and friends are invited to share treasured memories together and enjoy some of Mike’s favorite things. Memorials may be made to Seton Catholic School, Moline Illinois.
Michael Daniel Murphy was born on January 3rd, 1940 in Modesto, California to Patrick Lewis Murphy and Maxine Joan (Rudi) Murphy. He moved to Dwight, Illinois when he was young and graduated from Dwight High School. He later attended St Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. He married Karen Eddleman on July 2nd, 1960 and they were married for 43 years. He later married Luz Martinez on February 22, 2012. Mike and his brother, Bill Murphy, cofounded Murphy Brothers Inc. based out of the Quad Cities, IL in the early 1970’s. Murphy Brothers went on to become a nationally respected leader and innovator in the pipeline and distribution construction industry within the United States and Canada. Mike served on the Distribution Contractors Association board of directors where he was later elected and served as President of the DCA in 2003-2004.
He is survived by his wife Luz Murphy. His children; Leslie (Jim) Barnett of Maricopa, AZ, Michael ‘Dan’ Murphy, Jr. (Jenna) Murphy of Eau Claire, WI, and Molly Stewart (fiancé, Andy Henderson) of Kalkaska, MI. Grandchildren; Stefanie Densberger, TJ Densberger, Kelly Densberger, Tyler (Jen) Murphy, Kaity Murphy, Stephanie (Joey) Krenzelok, Scott Murphy, Brett Murphy, Alayna Stewart and Jack Stewart, III. Stepchildren; Eduardo Jr, Christina, Joshua, Christopher, Selma and Jacob. Step-grandchildren; Alaina, Anthony, Angel, Analeyah, Albert, Violet, Evelyn, Lily, Mia and Victoria. Brothers; William (Jan) Murphy, Ronald (Jareen) Murphy, Robert (Tina) Murphy and Ty Marrs. A sister Janice (Ray) Petersen and many more family and good friends that were important to him. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Rodney Norris Murphy, sister Patricia Lea Murphy and his beloved dog ‘Reggie Jackson Ripka Murphy.’
Mike enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He projected a larger than life personality and an unmatched zeal and optimism for life. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed attending the Barrett Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale AZ every year. He loved playing golf in his earlier years having won many tournaments including the Phoenix Open ProAm, Tucson ProAm and Quad City Open ProAm(several times) with his brother, Bill. He enjoyed collecting Remington Bronzes which captured the untamed nature of the old west, reminding him of the desert valley in the Phoenix area that was his second home since 1989. Additionally he truly enjoyed going to the movies.
Mike’s family invites friends to share stories and leave condolences at dignitymemorial.com.
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