David Andrew Murphy

Sarasota - David A. Murphy, age 90, of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sept 30, 2025. David was born on June 16, 1935 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Lester J. Murphy and Susan E. Murphy, the second oldest of five children. He attended St. James Church and School as a young boy, and joined the Boy Scouts in 1948, eventually reaching the highest level of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1953.

He attended the university of Wisconsin Madison, and graduated with a BBA in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1958, attended pilot training at NAS Corpus Christi, eventually flying for Military Air Transport Service. He flew military personnel from the U.S. to the Far and Middle East, including the first troops to Vietnam. Dave married Ann Lyman in 1958 and they resided in Mountain View, California while he was stationed at NAS Moffett Field. They were blessed with 3 children. In 1963, he was honorably discharged and the family moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. Dave joined the National CPA firm of McGladrey & Pullen. During his 28 years in Janesville, he served terms as president of the Public Library Board, the Rotary Club, and the Visiting Nurse Association.

Dave retired in 1990 and moved with Ann to Spirit Lake, Iowa. Recognizing a community need for recreational trails, he became chairman of the Spirit Lake Trails Committee in 1991. He directed a 5 year effort to extend the Dickinson County Spine Trail, culminating in the construction of 20 miles of bike trails around Great Spirit Lake. He organized the Big Spirit Trail Festival annually in July, raising funds for the bike trails. Always an advocate of nature, he served 20 years as a board member of the Spirit Lake Protective Association.

In 1996, Dave and Ann made Seaplace Condominiums on Longboat Key, Florida their winter home. He volunteered many hours to the community, serving terms as a board member and treasurer of the HOA. Dave and family spent many happy days exploring at the beach, swimming and playing tennis. Most regrettably, Ann passed away in 2008.

In 2010 Dave married Anelisa Wagner and they moved to the Palm Aire Club Villas community in Sarasota. For a time he served as president and treasurer of the neighborhood association, offering countless hours of volunteer work that greatly enriched the community. Always active, he enjoyed swimming, tennis and golf for many years.

Friends who knew and loved him remember his immense generosity, his endless optimism and his great sense of humor. He has left us all with beautiful memories of times spent together. He loved to teach us to golf, play tennis, catch fish, swim, and appreciate nature. He also taught us the value of hard work and giving back to the community. He was dearly loved by his family and he will be greatly missed. David was preceded in death by parents Lester J. Murphy and Susan E. Murphy, his first wife Ann Lyman Murphy, and his brothers Mike and Tom Murphy. He is survived by his wife Anelisa Murphy, sisters Joanne Herwig and Kathleen Whiteaker, many nieces and nephews, his children David "Drew" Murphy Jr., Diane Murphy (Amy Schwartz), and Susan Murphy (Bruce Holst), his grandchildren Leah Holst, Ian Holst, Elizabeth Elkins, Madeline Jenney, and many great grandchildren.A military interment will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Donations to Veterans of Foreign Wars are greatly appreciated.