John Thomas Murphy
June 4, 1940 ~ February 15, 2024
Predeceased by parents, James & Frances Murphy; wife, Betty Kellum Murphy; and, siblings Jane Murphy Gavnik, James Murphy and Kathleen Murphy Lambrecht. Survived by children & grandchildren, Mollie Murphy (Jeff) Dale and Neala, Finn, and Maggie; Brian (Marcie) Murphy and Declan and Cael; Daniel Murphy and Nichole, Kylie, Charlie, and Nicolas, plus numerous nieces and nephews who fondly called him “UJ”.
John passed peacefully at Dan’s house, with Dan at his side, on Feb. 15th. John took great pride in being a “13-year Aggie” and was thrilled that his grandchildren carry on the family tradition. John was a Vietnam era veteran, attaining the rank of technical sergeant, which meant that he could work on “big dangerous vehicles”. He was also involved in the Washington County Veteran's Mentor Program. John retired as a Washington County court reporter but continued to freelance well into his seventies as he so enjoyed his work and friends. He will be remembered as an avid golfer, a 20 year member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America. A volunteer at Como Zoo, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Lake Monitoring Program volunteer as well as a volunteer at the Fairview Lakes Hospital.
As John grew older, he became more and more creative and joined a pottery club, painted his house with vibrant colors and continued to amaze us with his woodworking. John truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends while boating and fishing at his home on Forest Lake. Words cannot express how deeply John impacted us and how deeply he will be missed.
Many thanks to his children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and Jim, Megan and Sara, whose care allowed John to face death courageously and live life on his own terms to the very end.
A visitation and funeral Mass will be held on June 4, 2024 (John’s birthday) at Church of Saint Agnes, St Paul, MN, inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and Celebration of Life at the Celtic Arts Junction.
In lieu of flowers, please provide memorials to the White Bear Center for the Arts.
Memorial Schedule (on Irish time 😊)
8:30am – 9:00am Visitation, Church of Saint Agnes, 548 Lafond Avenue, St Paul, MN9:00am – 10:00am, Mass of Christian Burial11:00am – Burial, Fort Snelling National Cemetery10:30am – 3:00pm, Celebration of Life at Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Avenue, St Paul, MN. Please bring your stories and songs!
Our deepest condolences on the passing of John who not only was a great Irishman but one hell of a golfer.
Childhood best friend along with your sister “Kasey.” We played baseball together across from your house on University avenue and in the alley almost every summer day. Playing kick-the-can in the alley was another favorite summer pastime.
Along with my parents, we went to Gull Lake near Brainerd for a weeks vacation one summer.
I have photos of us taken in those days which I’ll share with your family at the visitation..
God bless you and rest in peace my friend,
Bill
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Hi Bill, Thank you SO much for sharing your memories with us. – Mollie
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for John’s military service to our country in the Army and to fellow veterans as a Legion member.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for John’s military service to our country and to fellow veterans as a Legion member.
Oh my! I don’t know what made me look through obits tonight and find that John is gone! What a great guy! Wonderful family! It was nice to run into him around town-that twinkle in his eye and always a chuckle or two! He loved his family and so happy when Molly moved back to MN. I’m disappointed that we never got the black and tan at Norman Quack’s. My sympathy and love to you all! Thinking of you tonight! St. Patrick’s Day!
He rented a ski locker from my cousin in Colorado (I think) years ago. What a surprise to find the connection to Forest Lake between perfect strangers!
I was also lucky enough to have Molly, Brian, and Danny in class at St. Peter’s. One of my sons spent a lot of time at their house. John, Betty, and I were involved in scouts together.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Rest in Peace, My Friend.
My name is Alex Chinn and I was one of John’s clay instructors. It was a pleasure to have John as part of the White Bear Center for the Arts clay community. One of the first things I remember about John was that he had built his own pottery wheel from ceiling fan parts. I am not sure if he had ever thrown a pot before that. Impressive for his willingness to dive into something new. He eventually purchased a pottery wheel as his “fan” wheel was too under powered. I enjoyed having him and his dry sense of humor in class. He is missed. My thoughts and best wishes go out to all his friends and Family.