Steven Murphy
March 3, 1955 ~ October 3, 2014
Steven J. Murphy age 59, of Elma, Iowa, formerly of Waterloo, and Cresco, IA, died Friday, October 3, 2014 at his home after a long illness: Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy.
Steven (Steve) J. Murphy was born March 3, 1955, in New Hampton, Iowa; the son of LuVerne and Lucille (Stevens) Murphy. Steve grew up in Elma, Iowa and graduated in 1974 from Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa. Following high school, Steve joined the United States Army, serving in Italy as a paratrooper. After his military service, Steve graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Public Administration. Steve was a handyman, always ready to help his siblings with remodeling projects. He also worked in plumbing, and flooring; and more recently, as a custodian for the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District. Music was one of Steve's many interests. He played the drums in his youth but really enjoyed classical music; a favorite piece was The William Tell Overture. Steve was a prolific reader with a passion for history; in particular, the Civil War and World Wars: sharing his interest in recounting details of key figures, battles, strategies, and statistics. He also enjoyed traveling, photography, old movies, and puzzles; and was always ready for a game of 500. Steve was a favorite with his nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered for his rendition of the song, "Big John" at family campfires; as well as his witty sense of humor and giving nature.
Steve's family includes six siblings: Russell Murphy (Suzanne) of Elma, IA; Dennis Murphy (Crystal) of Central City, IA; Jeffrey Murphy (Wendy) of Cresco, IA; Teresa Popko (Richard deceased October 15, 2012) of Milwaukee, WI; Colleen Kenealy (Phil) of Cedar Falls, IA: Erin Murphy of Milwaukee, WI. Steve also had 18 nieces and nephews: Terrell, Wendy, Audrey, Shane, Amber, Kendra, Ryan, Becky, Brock, Laurel, Kelly, Ericka, Danielle, Lucy, Katie, Curtis, Dustin, and Shayla.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Richard Popko.
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Godspeed Steve~ Wishing your family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in their hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy families. May God be with you! So very sorry to here of Steves passing. God Bless You! Darrell, Cindi and Logan
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family. Steve was very fortunate to have such loving siblings take good care of him as his illness progressed. God Bless you all and may you find comfort in Gods care. Joe and Teresa Klobassa
Had many great times with Murph and he is probably partying very well now. Jerry and Joanne
So sorry to hear of Steves death, and want to wish our deapest sympathy to his family. We will be keeping you all in our prayers. Steve was very blessed to have all of you help him in his final weeks. It is good to know he is finally at peace and resting with his parents in heaven. Steve and Peggy Beaston
My deepest sympathy to all the Murphy family. Prayers go out to all in your time of loss.
My sincere sympathy to all members of the Murphy family for your great loss. I remember Steve as a great young kid, running around the neighborhood. Hold fast to your memories.
Sincere condolences to the Murphy family.
Steve left us too soon. I will miss his company and friendship. My sympathy to his family. Jerry Ludwig
God bless the Murphy family during this time. Erin is a dear friend of mine and always spoke lovingly of her brother Steve and the rest of her family. Steve showed great courage when faced with the difficult illness. Jesus drew him close as he helped Steve prepare for eternity. My thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family. Jean Pruscha Lake Geneva, WI
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. Jesus promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again at John 528,29 which talks about the resurrection hope. What a wonderful hope that will be! May this bible thought bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Always enjoyed the times we got to get together with Steve, his sense of humor, the many laughs we shared over the years, and the friendship as well as the stories he and Jerry shared from their chidhood antics! We appreciated his concern and words of encouragement when we needed it. So sorry he had to suffer that terrible disease, but happy he is free from the strife of it all now. We will miss you Murf!
My sympathy and prayers go out to the family of Steve. Steve and I were in a band together when we were quite young. I remember one time when I was driving and we were heading to Tower Club to play in the middle of winter and it was storming. After sliding in the ditch and getting pulled out, we made it one time. We had a lot of laughs about that one. Im sure he is providing the heavens with great music. When the skys rumble Ill think of Steve on the drums. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bev Valvoda, the accordianist
Steve was a great guy as all the comments here reflect. We always enjoyed when we would run into him.usually in Cresco..I remember one time Steve stopped at Fareway for a couple of quick items, so I waited in the car..he took foreverwhen he came out he said he was visiting with Murf!!!!!!! So sorry he had to suffer, but glad he had a ” wonderful family” to care for him. Jane Steve
The Blume-Murphy family get-togethers of decades-past are lifelong memories. Sincere sympathies to the Murphy children at the loss of their brother. I remember playing with him (and especially Teresa) at your home. God be with you all. Marilyn Blume Seefeld
Steve, two things Number One, thank you for being my friend and helping me in so many ways. You taught me about having real heart and how to enjoy life. Your influence made me a better person. Your compassion and concern for hurting people was a marvel to behold. You were one of a kind. Number Two, Vince and I are going to miss your sense of humor. There were times I laughed so hard I thought I was gonna die! I dont know where it came from, but you really touched my funny bone on several occasions! I wish you peace and fulfillment in your new life.
Our sympathy to all of Steves family. We, too, enjoyed his humor and friendliness. Our favorite “Steve joke” was the one about how he didnt know Russ was in need of prayerswhen he was at Mass the priest would call out a saints name and the people would say “pray for Russ” !!!! Bill Alice
Im so sorry Steve left so early. As Greg pointed out, he had an amazing sense of humor. I remember his hilarious impromptu words at dads(Don) wake years ago. God bless Steve in His presence forever.
Russ and Suzanne and family~ Our sincere sympathy to the Murphy family. So sorry to hear of your loss. LeRoy and Mary-Margaret RIes ~ Mason City.
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