Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Macken Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1105 12th Street SouthEast

Rochester, Minnesota

Joseph Murphy Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by KIMT on Jun. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Murphy

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Muggs&John Ernste

July 4, 2025

Wanda, Ryan, Derek, Bob, and Mark, we were so surprised to hear about Joe´s passing. Sitting with Joe at an LHS hockey or football game was always fun! We were both very proud of our kids, but somehow we also expected perfection from our own guys, and l recall during the heat of some moments in a game when our cheers turned to jeers that l am glad the boys and the refs never heard. Stares from other nearby fans were of course ignored!
Well.... Joe is cheering for his Family now from above, and l am sure he knows we are praising him!

Conal Hickey

July 2, 2025

Wanda and family , I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe , We remember fondly the times together in Rochester and in Dublin IBM. Please take care and I will offer a mass for Joe in Ireland.

Bill and Sandy Mullenmaster

July 2, 2025

We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. Wish we could be there to celebrate Joe. May he rest in eternal peace.

Maurice ( & Ursula) Britton , Dublin Ireland.

June 30, 2025

Many years ago we met Joe at IBM. Joe was an integral part of the team that set up IBM Manufacturing in Dublin. Joe gave his knowledge and experience to a team that needed to learn quickly. The most valuable gems from Joe were of course the observations and insights that you would never find written down anywhere ! Joe & Wanda with Herb & Sheila and many others in Rochester made a special effort to welcome us Irish in Rochester. Joe is for sure a big part of the reason I have such fond memories of Rochester and the people that live there . To Wanda and family I want to say you and Joe are in our thoughts and prayers . I think of Joe's life as some thing to celebrate, and I will continue to smile when some one mentions his name to me .

Deepest sympathies . Maurice Britton . Dublin, Ireland.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Murphy's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph Murphy

Jul

1

Visitation

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Macken Funeral Home

Long Lake, MN

Jul

2

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

MN

Funeral services provided by:

Macken Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1105 12th Street SouthEast, Rochester, MN 55904

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Murphy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more