Donald J. Murphy

March 9, 1932 — March 5, 2012

Donald J. Murphy, the son of Maurice and Mary (Smith) Murphy was born March 9, 1932 in Emmetsburg, IA. His childhood years were spent on a farm near Emmetsburg before moving to town with his family. It was there that he attended school and graduated from Emmetsburg High School. On May 25, 1953, Donald was united in marriage to Alice Conway, his high school sweetheart, who ironically grew up in the house next door to him in Emmetsburg. Don served with the Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge, Don worked at Ted's Super Value Store for a couple years before he went to work for Swanson's Grocery Stores. His family resided in Le Mars, IA for a short time and then moved to Cherokee, IA in 1964. Don continued to work for Swanson's and eventually Hy-Vee for many years. After retiring from Hy-Vee, he continued his grocery career at SuperValu Inc. Don was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee and the Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree Knight. He served on the Cherokee Country Club Board of Directors and the President of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, and playing euchre with his family. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. On Monday, March 5, 2012, Donald passed away at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Mary Murphy; and three brothers: Dan, Bill, and Dick Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice Murphy of Cherokee, IA; five children: Daniel (Karen) Murphy of Alexandria, MN, Kathryn (Leo) Novosel of Oak Lawn, IL, Michael (Dawn) Murphy of Alexandria, MN, Mark (Linda) Murphy of Cherokee, IA, and Patrick (Shondra) of Urbandale, IA; 23 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Ellen Shimon of Cedar Rapids, IA and Eve Bennett of Cedar Rapids, IA; one brother, Jerry (Lois) Murphy of Cold Springs, MN; as well as other relatives and many friends.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee.

OFFICIATING

Father Armand Bertrand

CASKET BEARERS

Dave Westphal Kyle Murphy Jim Nelson Lee Novosel Danny Murphy Jim Fokken Honorary Bearers Val Koch Bill Schmidt Don Johnson

VISITATION

Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday, with the family present from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday night at Greenwood Funeral Home in Cherokee. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday with a Knights of Columbus Rosary to follow at the funeral home.

MUSIC

INTERMENT

Mt. Calvary Cemetery Cherokee, Iowa

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