Robert "Bob" Murphy

Robert "Bob" Murphy Sr. passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on May 30, 1962, in Green Bay, WI, to Ronald J. Murphy and Barbara K. Drzewiecki (DeVleeshower).
Bob was a lifelong resident of Howard-Suamico, graduating from Bay Port High School in 1980. He always had a great work ethic-starting in high school, when he worked at Blazei Foods and purchased his first car at just 15 years old.
At the age of 11, he found his passion for construction when his stepdad, Bob Drzewiecki, let him drive his first dump truck around the streets of Howard. Bob absolutely loved spending time with his stepdad and the guys at Drzewiecki Trucking in the shop-especially during Friday night shop parties.
After high school, Bob continued to drive truck for the family business and later worked at Northeast Asphalt, where he created lifelong friendships. He was known as "Shifter" in the trucking world.
On June 25, 1982, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Barb Rappert. Together they raised three children: Amanda, Bob Jr., and Kali. In 1996, Bob started Bayland Excavating & Trucking, following in his grandfather Joe DeVleeshower's footsteps and deepening his passion for heavy machinery and the construction world.
Outside of work, Bob had a love for snowmobiling that started in childhood, when his parents joined the Knight Riders Snowmobile Club. He made countless memories riding with "the guys" and was an active member of both the Speedbirds Snowmobile Group and the SnoBirds Snowmobile Club, where he served as a board member. In the summer, Bob spent his time on the boat "Barb's Baby" in Door County, WI. It was his place to unwind and enjoy time with his wife, children, and boating friends. He looked forward to the adventures of crossing Lake Michigan every summer.
Bob wore the title of Grandpa or "Papa" with joy. He loved bending the rules, sneaking the grandkids Momma D's cookies, and instilling in them lessons rooted in hard work, family, and integrity. You never had to wonder where Bob stood-he was a man of his word and gave it his all, known for his no "BS" attitude.
He will be missed for all the memories that live on because of his quick wit and ability to make people smile.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barb; his children, Amanda (Jared) Van Elzen, Bob Jr. (Brooke) Murphy, and Kali (Eric) Baumann; and his eight grandchildren: Addie, Jacob, Grace, Audriana, Jared, Jackson, Evelyn, and Cole.
He is also survived by his mother, Barb Drzewiecki; his brother, Jim (Sharon) Murphy; and his sisters, Mary Jo (Ed) Dolata and Debbie Murphy (Brian O'Shaughnessy).
He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Mary & Bill Holewinski, Chris & Jim Baer, Nancy Bushey, Mike Rappert, Steve & Kym Rappert, Patti & Jerry Hull, and Cheryl & John Zegers, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Bob Drzewiecki; his father, Ronald Murphy; his mother and father-in-law, Norman & Julia Rappert; and his grandparents.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Williams Cancer Institute, Dr. Laurin Bellg and her team at Bellin ICU, and the ICU nursing staff at St. Vincent Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's memory to Williams Cancer Institute: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/YRV3S0T9Y41BK/checkout/O3C5SHDRO7WJSXHHNEJJEXMR
A private service will be held for family only.
A celebration of life will be held for friends and family on Bob's 63rd birthday-Friday, May 30th, from 4–8 p.m. at D2's in Hobart, WI.
Pfotenhauer Family Funeral Home - Howard-Suamico