Memorial trees planted for:

Philip J. Murphy

Philip J. Murphy (Phil) of Madelia, MN passed away at the age of 84 on July 6, 2024, due to complications from treatment for lymphoma. Philip was born on January 12, 1940, to Roy and Bernadine Murphy. The oldest of six children, he grew up on the family farm outside of Madelia in Ceresco Township. There he learned the value of hard work, being frugal, and the art of shooting baskets with a corncob into the basketball rim his father had attached to the barn. Most importantly, his parents taught him the value of getting an education, a lesson which he later passed along to his own children. He attended Madelia High School where he participated in football, baseball, and his favorite sport of basketball. While he was not a star player on the team, he did make a half-court shot to win one game, and often bragged about fouling out in less than a quarter in another game, which he thought had to qualify as some sort of record. He graduated in 1958 from Madelia and then attended St. John’s University. There he was humorously accused of “flaunting his B average” to his fellow classmates, many of whom carried much better GPAs. He also was elected president of the “Stein Club” at the LaPlayette Bar in St. Joseph’s, which entitled him to unlimited 5 cent beer refills. Late in his senior year, through mutual friends, he met the love of his life, Rosemary (Gage) Murphy, who was then a student at St. Catherine’s University. He graduated from St. John’s in 1962 and attended law school at the University of Minnesota. He and Rosemary were married on December 28, 1963, in Mount Prospect, IL. After graduating from law school in 1965, he passed the MN bar exam and was sworn in as a lawyer on the same day the MN Twins played and won Game 6 of the World Series against the LA Dodgers, a game which he also attended. It is a tossup which event he enjoyed more. He and Rosemary settled in Madelia, where he joined Cecil J. Manahan’s law office. He was a “small town” lawyer for the next 50+ years. He served as City Attorney for many of those years, served as District President of the MN State Bar Association, mentored numerous young attorneys, and provided legal services to countless clients with dedication, integrity, and compassion.   Phil loved his lifelong hometown of Madelia, MN and there he and Rosemary raised their six children. He was an active member of the community and, in particular, of the St. Mary’s parish, where he helped start the Parish Endowment Fund and was still actively serving on the Calvary Cemetery Board. Phil was a pillar of the community and never stopped donating his time to any cause that made the town stronger, including the Lions Club, Watonwan County Historical Society, Farmers State Bank Board, Madelia Strong, countless school and community fundraisers, and volunteering as a Senior Driver for those in need. He deeply loved any type of reunion, and particularly enjoyed Madelia’s All School Reunions when he would get a chance to catch up with many Madelia High School alumni. He also loved keeping in touch with his many St. John ’s friends and classmates. If there was any chance to connect with people, Phil was there. A passionate sports fan, Phil marked time by major sporting events and was a dedicated follower of all professional Minnesota sports teams, the St John’s Johnnies, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and any small-town Minnesota team who made it to the State High School Basketball Tournament. Phil also loved to keep up on current events and read several newspapers every day. Phil’s greatest joy was his family. He loved being involved in the lives of his six children, attending all of their various high school sporting and band events (including away games). He was proud of putting all six children through college, and enjoyed visiting them on campus. He also adored his seven grandchildren, with whom he loved spending time playing card games, taking walks around Lake Harriet, and of course attending their basketball games and swimming meets. Philip and Rosemary enjoyed traveling and took many trips to Europe and Latin America, including to Chile, where they were able to visit Jalil Said, the foreign exchange student they had hosted in 1991. Philip is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Bernadine Murphy, and his sister Kathleen. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemary, and their six children and spouses: Christopher, Margaret (Steve Olin), Matthew (Liz Meiley), Gregory (David Engen), Joseph (Carolyn), and Thomas (Becky), and grandchildren Juliet, Connor, Liam, Teddy, Charlie, Madeline, and Anna. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Capt. Rosemary Murphy, Suzie (Leon) Corressell, Sheila Murphy, and John (Alece) Murphy, as well as his nieces and nephews, and many dear friends from every chapter of his life. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia, and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning. The funeral mass begins at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 18th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madelia, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery and a luncheon at St. Mary’s Catholic School.

January 12, 1940 - July 6, 2024

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Philip J. Murphy

20 Trees have been planted in memory of Philip Murphy.

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Memorial Trees

Dan & Lisa Skamser

July 17, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Dan & Lisa Skamser. Plant a tree

The Murphy family was blessed with a loving father. New life will spring from this tree in his remembrance,

Anonymous

July 17, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

With deepest sympathy

Monique & Pete Keffer

July 16, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Monique & Pete Keffer. Plant a tree

Phil was an exceptional man and father, as evidenced by his exceptional children and grandchildren. He will be missed.

Ron and Ada Grosland4

July 16, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Ron and Ada Grosland4. Plant a tree

We will be with you in love and prayer today as you say goodbye to Phil.

Chris and Linus Brueske

July 14, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Chris and Linus Brueske. Plant a tree

My condolences to the whole Murphy clan. I see the kind and good person Phil was through the legacy he leaves in his children and grandchildren.

Peter, Eric & your CSM Family

July 12, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Peter, Eric & your CSM Family. Plant a tree

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

The Moriarty Families

July 12, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by The Moriarty Families. Plant a tree

Fond memories of Phil. He was a special gem to all who knew him. Rest in Peace Phil

Walden University's Student Success Leadership & Teams

July 11, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Walden University's Student Success Leadership & Teams. Plant a tree

Greg & Family,Sending our deepest condolences as you walk through this difficult time. You and your family are in our daily thoughts and prayers.

Mark and Mary English

July 11, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Mark and Mary English. Plant a tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The tree is a such lovely way to stay connected with Phil and the joy he brought to your family

Dick and Dorothy Blue

July 10, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Dick and Dorothy Blue. Plant a tree

Rest in peace Phil

The Children of Desmond and Edythe Murphy

July 10, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by The Children of Desmond and Edythe Murphy. Plant a tree

Sent with love and remembrance, from the families of Patrick & Connie Murphy, Tim Murphy, and Maureen Newton

Anonymous

July 10, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

May your father, brother, husband, grandparent, and friend rest in peace, and may you find comfort in the memories of his love and guidance.

The Tadajweski Family

July 09, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by The Tadajweski Family. Plant a tree

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Erika and Dick

July 09, 2024

The planting of 5 memorial trees in the honor of Philip J. Murphy has been arranged by Erika and Dick. Plant a tree

Phil will be remembered as the kind, intelligent, good man he was. The trees will live in his memory to remind us of him. He will be sorely missed.