Francis Murphy

Francis "Scrub" James Murphy, 82, of Freedom, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on, Wednesday, October 23, 2013. He was born August 21, 1931 to Frank and Rosella (Weyenberg) Murphy, in Freedom. Francis was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom. He was united in marriage to "the best girl in Freedom", Theresa Mae Williamson on April 26, 1955, celebrating 58 years of marriage this year.
Francis was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, who will be dearly missed. He was extremely proud of his children and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and would get a little misty-eyed through tears of joy as he watched the surprised and happy faces on his children when they opened that special gift that he couldn't wait for 'Santa' to bring them. He was a handy man who could always fix whatever was broken. When his children got older, he became a 'general contractor' helping each of his children to build their homes. He and Theresa enjoyed many years of being together and bringing up the kids, with the exception of the heartbreaking tragedy on October 3, 1971, when their seven-year-old daughter, Mary Kay, was struck and killed by a car in front of their home.
Francis was employed by Miller Electric Corp. in Appleton for 38 years, retiring in 1993.
Francis is survived by his loving wife, Theresa; along with six children: Colleen (Tom) Laha, Freedom; Susan (Bob) Harp, Appleton; Dr. Jim (Julie) Murphy, Pewaukee; Don (Jackie) Murphy, Freedom; Betty (Tom) Hillebrand, Appleton; Tammy (Brian) Nabbefeld, Freedom; he is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Marie (Tom) Krueger, Shawn (Jenny) Laha, Scott (Tina) Laha, Godchild Dr. Kurt (Ashley) Laha; Jill, Chris and Nicole Harp; Jim and Jay Murphy; John and Leah Murphy; Sydney and Ryan Hillebrand; and Travis, Troy and Trent Nabbefeld. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren: Aiden and Gavin Krueger, Liam Laha, Ted, Luis, Aidan and Gillian Laha, and another due in December. In addition, he is survived by a sister-in-law, Pat Murphy, brother-in-law, John (Gloria) Williamson, Jr., and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Kay; his parents; grandparents; brothers: Edwill (Shirley) Murphy, Jack (Fern) Murphy, Bob (Judy) Murphy, Martin Murphy; sisters: Johanna "Sis" (Gerald) Geenen, Frances "Babe" (Floyd) Reiland; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Ona Williamson, Sr., and great-granddaughter, Ella Marie Krueger.
Friends may call at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Freedom on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian burial at 2 p.m. with Fr. Dan Felton officiating. Interment will take place immediately after in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com .
Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice Care for all their care and support during this extremely difficult time.