Dennis Murphy

Dennis Hugh Murphy, 85, of Sycamore, Ill., died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb

Denny survived a courageous battle for 2½ years with Stage 4 colon cancer, and never gave up trying to conquer his situation, but at 85, the odds were against him and cancer won - the first fight he ever lost. His family are all amazed at his courage and his striving to live each day with happiness. His bravery was contagious within his family.

Born June 21, 1940, in Rochester, Minn., the son of William J. and Elizabeth G. (Jung) Murphy, Dennis was a veteran of the US Army, entering as a commissioned officer and advancing to flight school. He served three years, with the third year spent in Vietnam as an army pilot. In 1969, he was promoted to captain upon his discharge.

After graduating from St. Agnes Academy in Kenmare, N.D., in 1958, he earned his Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University in Fargo in 1963.

Dennis married Marlene Sortland on June 29, 1963, in Mobridge, S.D.

He was a project manager for Sears, Roebuck Headquarters, starting on June 6, 1966, and worked various jobs, from catalog storage to facility planning, for 27 years. He retired at age 53 in 1993, then spent 32 years enjoying the retirement life, golfing, traveling, moving around in a motor home and snow-birding winters in Estero, Fla., across the street from his brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Patti. After COVID, they sold the Florida place and returned to Sycamore, to enjoy its pace of life. He was a member of the Church of St. Mary in Sycamore.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene, and two sons, Mark and Steve, who were his pride and joy. Mark (Debra) of Naperville, and their daughter Madison (CJ) Schneider of Bloomington, IL, and her children, Henry, Grace, and John (Denny's great-grandchildren), and son Taylor (fiancée Colette Paulsen) of Muscatine, IA. Steve (Tina) of Woodridge, and their daughters Megan of Peoria, IL, and Jillian. He is also survived by his brother Charles Murphy of Racine, WI, and many nieces, nephews, and friends in various places Denny worked and lived including Kansas City, MO., Woodridge, IL., Dallas, TX., Philadelphia, PA., and Naperville, IL., where he retired, Charleston, SC., ending up in Sycamore, IL.

He was predeceased by his beloved first son, Daniel; his eldest brother, Pat and wife, Patti; parents; and his brother Chuck's wife, Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 1145 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore IL 60178.

Per Dennis's wishes, no services will be held.

Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore.

Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services- Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.