Joseph F. Murphy

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, January 30, 1945
Date of Death:
Friday, June 27, 2025
Age:
80 years old

Visitation

Date: Tuesday July 01, 2025
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Wednesday July 02, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]

Funeral Mass

Date: Wednesday July 02, 2025
Time: 10:30 am

Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Livestream

To view a livestream of the service, please click here.

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, January 30, 1945
Date of Death:
Friday, June 27, 2025
Age:
80 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, January 30, 1945
Date of Death:
Friday, June 27, 2025
Age:
80 years old

Joseph F. Murphy

Joseph Francis Murphy passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on June 27, 2025, at St Joseph’s hospital in Brainerd, MN while on a family vacation. He was born on January 30, 1945, to John and Alice (Lonergan) Murphy at St Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Joe graduated from Lourdes High School, Rochester Junior college, and Winona State. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and returned to IBM after his service, where he was employed for 34 years in finance, planning and managerial positions.  He met his future wife Wanda Fischer at IBM and they married on June 5, 1971, at Sacred Heart in Aberdeen, SD.

Joe enjoyed volunteering his time at church, Lourdes and Mayo Clinic. He was a member of the American Legion in Long Lake, SD.  Joe was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals and Lourdes high school sports.  But most importantly, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his six grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, two sons, Ryan (Nicki) and Derek (Sadie); grandchildren Brendan, Caelin, Declan, Mila, Macklen and Keegan.  Also surviving are brothers Bob and Mark, sisters Sheila Townsend and Mary Morse.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don, Dick, Jack, Jim, Peter, Tom and sister-in-law Mary Hoffman.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon presiding. Visitation will take place in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral home on July 1, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM and one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

Burial rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery after a luncheon at the Co-Cathedral. Memorials can be directed to the Co-Cathedral or Lourdes High School Scholarship for the class of 1963.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

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Condolences

The family of Joseph F. Murphy has received the following condolences.

I considered Joe a very wise mentor. He brought me on the Lourdes football  chain gang way back in 1999 and we worked together for 20 seasons. LHS had some outstanding teams and we had the best seats  in the house. Of course Joe didn't always pay as much attention as he should have because he was busy listening to his beloved St Louis Cardinals. 


At halftime we would.sit on the players bench and share a bag of popcorn. Some nights we even went to Dooleys for a beer afterwards. 


Friday home games just won't be the same. I'm Sure you'll get into some kind of sports in heaven. Enjoy the hereafter. Love, Tom Brownlow. 

Wanda and Family,


I am so sorry  for your  loss.  I didn't see Joe and Wanda much in the last years, but always had good visits.  Wanda and I were in a 3 month class many years ago and I met Joe during that time.  It is difficult to loose a loved one and family. 


Rod Herrick 

Condolences to Wanda and family.  Joe an I were classmates from 3rd grade at St John's through graduation at Lourdes.  I have many great memories of Joe during those years. He was a great guy! May he rest in peace.


Janyce Meyers  ( Rathke )

Dear Murphy Family,
I'm so very sorry. Joe Murphy was one of the kindest, most generous, fiercely loyal -and genuine- humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
"Horses," he would say.


A lot.


Sometimes just to fill the silence. Joe cared. He cared about others. Genuinely. Not for the sake of appearances or because "that's just what you do..." He acted on his values. He supported in gentle and unassuming ways, shrugging off 'thank yous' as if he didn't just do this amazing act of selflessness. 
Joe Murphy was the quiet guide to all who knew him. 
My sincerest condolences.
Christine Murphy. 

Dear Wanda and Family:


I was a classmate of Joe, Lourdes '63, as you know. I and just about everyone in our class was a friend of Joe. We respected him, we liked him (what was not to like?), we loved him,  and we often were inspired by his optimism and friendliness. The fact that Joe died while on vacation -- from retirement, of course  -- shows us that he seemed to live life to the fullest even though his work life, like most of ours, was ended. He met the challenge of living well, in service to his family, community, and country. While I and many of our classmates have been long gone from Rochester, our memory of Joe is a part of us. His death brings us sadness and a time to appreciate him and the part of our lives we shared. I know you and your family will miss him terribly and your good memories will last. You are in my thoughts as you say goodbye.


Best wishes, 


Mike Wolff

Wanda and family, It was a shock to learn of Joe's passing from our daughter Susie who is a Facebook friend with Ryan. Laura and I both send our deepest condolences to you and the entire Murphy family. 


It was great having you as neighbors out on Oslo Court for well over 10 years, and since we both worked for IBM it was a rare week we didn't pass each other up or down those long halls at least once. 


It doesn't seem right that Joe was called up so young but the Lord doesn't ask. 


Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and grief. 


Frank and Laura Lukes


 

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Joe as a volunteer money counter at church. I loved his smile and his sense of humor! He always held a special place in my heart. 🙏🏻

Wanda and Murphy Family,


My condolences go out to Wanda and the entire Murphy Family. I remember Joe growing up and being such a big fan of Lourdes High School. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. 

Wanda & Murphy Family,


Spending my growing up years around all of the Murphy's, it was my pleasure to know and care about Joseph.  He was one of the nicest human beings I've known in my life.  My condolences go out to Wanda and all of the Murphy's during this sad time.  He is surely with Jesus now, and knows no more suffering.


Jan Larsen

Wanda and Family,


So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing.  He has been part of the Fischer family for a long time, and always a welcomed face in Long Lake.  One less member for the color guard! So many memories! I am not sure if we will make it to Rochester for the services, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!


Love.


Nancy & Roger 

Our prayers and thoughts with your loss of a wonderful man.  We will miss his treasured friendship 

Wanda & family:  I will truly miss Joe's laughter and always-present smile, and swapping sports stories over the years.  RIP, Joe.  

To Wanda and family, Mary and I were shocked to hear of Joe’s passing. I first met Joe at Rochester State Junior College where we became friends. We both later became employed at IBM. We enjoyed many years watching our son’s play youth hockey and at Lourdes High School. We loved Joe’s sense of humor, enjoying many laughs over the years. We are saddened by your loss and send you our deepest sympathy.

Wanda and family, we are deeply sorry to hear about Joe’s passing.  Grew up with Joe and family.  We enjoyed many years working with you and Joe!  


Sorry we won’t be able to attend the services as I can’t drive due to recent surgeries.  Like Joe, my brother passed away peacefully and unexpectedly Jan 27.  While the surprise is always hard to deal with, it is a great way to go. 


our sincere prayers are with you and your family.  


Sincere Condolences,


Jill and Dick Lueck