Daniel Michael Murphy

Daniel Michael Murphy of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2025. He was 65. He leaves behind his son Dean (Mari) Murphy, of Manhattan NY; his five stalwart siblings Elizabeth (Robert Martier) Murphy of Glenview IL, Lawrence (Christine Marquette) Murphy of Eagan MN, David (Annette) Murphy of Bloomington MN, Janet Murphy of Warrenville IL, and Charles Murphy of Coralville IA; Nine nieces and nephews, and five grand nieces and nephews.

Daniel was born in Chicago, IL on June 22, 1959, to Jeanine Benetier and Charles Murphy, the third eldest on six wonderful, rambunctious children. After moving to Urbandale, Iowa at the age of seven, the family again relocated to the southern Chicago suburb of Homewood, Illinois in 1973 when Daniel was fourteen. At Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Daniel dedicated his life and excelled at wrestling, eventually finishing in the upper echelons of the state championship title in the 132 lbs division. A charismatic, handsome, and adored young man, Daniel was also nominated to the Homecoming Court. After high school, he attended Illinois State University, where he continued his wrestling career. Daniel started and spent the majority of his young working career as a floor brokerage clerk in the storied trading pits at the Board of Trade, primarily dealing in U.S. Treasuries futures contracts. Early mornings were spent in front of the mirror practicing the myriad hand signals that kept the markets running. As technology blossomed and the pits became computerized, Daniel spent the 2000s contracting throughout the city of Chicago.

Daniel was a salt of the earth midwestern boy, his life and soul ultimately shaped by the rolling plains of Iowa, the winding banks of the Mississippi, and the bustling South Side of Chicago. His heart and intentions were always pure. A "tough guy" stoic on the exterior, many can attest to the various moments in his life where he used his stature and reputation to stand up for the little guy and for what was just and fair.

Daniel loved war history, The Rolling Stones, the perpetually disappointing prospects of the Chicago Bears and White Sox, and letting his son skunk him at fishing. He idolized Muhammad Ali, George Patton, and even got to meet his wrestling inspiration, Dan Gable.

Whenever he was around, you could count on him to induce smiles and a bring a lasting calm to those around him.

A celebration of life will eventually be held in his honor in Chicago before final internment in Iowa, next to his mother Jeanine and maternal grandparents.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Mark Twain House or the charity of your choosing.