Michael Wilson Murphy

Michael Wilson Murphy (age 83) peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on January 3, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and child of God. He was a resident of Fruita, CO for 18 years.

He was born on November 19, 1940, in Grinnell, Iowa to Harold and Ora Murphy. He attended The University of Iowa where he earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD in Speech Pathology and Audiology. He had a long successful career working for Veterans Administration Medical Centers, initially as a speech pathologist and then in hospital administration. In 1959 as a senior in high school, he joined the Air Force National Guard, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

He married Joy Rice in 1961. They had three children together, Sean, Bridget, and Brian.

In 1992, he married Patricia Myers and became a father to her children, Terri and Julie.

He had a deep faith in the Lord and strong commitment to serving others through various organizations.

Mike is survived by his wife Patricia Murphy, his children Sean (Elana) Murphy, Bridget (David) Kelsey, Brian (Karen) Murphy, Terri Flowerday, and Julie (Deon) Kuhl; 13 grandchildren as well as 7 great grandchildren; and sisters Molly (Ray) Cramer and Mary (Ron) Capps. He is predeceased by his parents Harold and Ora Murphy.

A funeral service will be held at American Lutheran Church on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, Hopewest Hospice Care Center, or American Lutheran Church. http://www.alcgj.org/

 The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Hopewest Hospice Care Center for their loving care of Mike and their family as he completed his earthly journey.