Joanie Murphy

Memorial services for Joanie Murphy, of Morris, will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris with Father Todd Schneider, Fr. Alan Wielinski, and Fr. Lucho Palomino celebrating the Mass. A visitation will be on Friday evening from 4-7:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary and a time of sharing at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery Columbarium in Morris. 

Joanie was born on October 12, 1953 to Jerry and Lois (Schmidt) Loher in Morris. She earned her bachelor's degree from St. Catherine's University in St. Paul. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Craig Murphy, on November 24, 1979 in Morris and they were blessed with their daughter Erin in 1986. Joanie began her career as a social worker in Swift County and concluded as the Director of Human Services for Stevens county, retiring in 2015. 

Joanie is a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. She is with God. This gave her a servant's heart, not only to serve God, but her whole community. Joanie was active in the Assumption Catholic Church as a member of the funeral committee and as a eucharistic minister. She also volunteered for meals on wheels and delivered communion to shut ins. Joanie was so giving and selfless, always prepared with a gift or a meal. If you had the privilege of eating anything Joanie prepared, you were most fortunate. Joanie and Craig loved to travel and were able to get to several countries. She liked cheering on the Vikings, loved tending to the garden and flowers, and enjoyed playing Euchre. Her pride and joy is her grandson, Jackson. Joanie loved life and will be missed by all who knew her.

Joanie is survived by her husband, Craig of Morris; daughter, Erin (Nick) Stotesbery of Hopkins; grandson, Jackson; brothers, Bill (Jayne) Loher of Mesa, AZ, Tim (Darla) Loher of Morris, Pat (Katie) Loher of Eagan, Jerry Loher of Dickenson, ND, and Rick (Jennifer) Loher of Detroit, MI; sisters, Debra (Ron) Bauer of Sartell and Helen (Leroy) Hennen of Elbow Lake. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Audrey Perkins; and nephew, Michael Loher.

Joanie died on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital after a courageous battle against cancer. She was 70 years old. 

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Joanie.