Joseph Francis "Joe" 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