Martin Murphy

Martin "Marty" J. Murphy, 75, of Freedom passed away Sunday, October 14, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 15, 1937 the youngest of eight, son of the late Frank and Rosella (Weyenberg) Murphy. On February 9, 1956 he was united in marriage to Patricia Kamps.

Martin was a 1955 graduate of Freedom High School. He lived on the family farm his entire life. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom where he was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus.

Marty was one of the founders of Freedom Little League. He named his team the Cardinals and he continued to coach for the next 20 years. He was recognized for his contributions to Freedom Athletics by receiving the Freedom's Sports Award.

He was employed with Valley Ready Mix retiring as general manager in the concrete industry in 1995. He also operated the family farm and owned Fox Cities Communications. He was one of the original owners of Irish Waters Golf Course, which was built on the family farm.

Marty was an avid sports fan especially his St. Louis Cardinals. He loved time spent with his children and grandchildren especially the family vacations. He had great joy in attending his grandchildrens sporting events.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; children and grandchildren: Tim (special friend Linda) Murphy and Kelly Murphy, Lana (Mike) Christenson, Zach (Kelly) Murphy; Linda (Rudy) Borneman and Mike Schuh, Christina (Paul) Pedersen, Eric Schuh; Laurie (Todd) Thompson and Travis (Cara) Gerritts, Deena (Cody) Overstreet, Tyler Gerritts; Donna (Jeff) Kolb and Taylor, Lacey, Kelsey Kolb; Ken (special friend Jenny) Murphy and Melissa and Tara Bowers; Martin "Joe" (Tracy) Murphy Jr., and Jalyn, Garrison, Koy; 8 great grandchildren: Haley, Kyleigh, Grace, Lydia, Ella, Morgan, Max, Elle; brother, Francis "Scrub" (Theresa) Murphy; In-laws: Ken (Lois Jean) Kamps, Barb (Bob) Wittlinger, George Jr. (Rita) Kamps, Steve Kamps.

He is preceded in death by a daughter- in-law Penny Murphy; granddaughter Erin Murphy; brothers: Edwill (Shirley) Murphy, Jack (Fern) Murphy, Bob (Judy) Murphy; sisters: Johanna Murphy, Johanna "Sis" (Gerald) Geenen, Frances "Babe" (Floyd) Reiland; mother-in-law and father-in-law George Sr. (Marie) Kamps; stepmother, "Minnie" Murphy; sister-in-law Delores (Jim) Post.

Friends may call at Nicholas Catholic Church, Freedom on Thursday October 18, 2012 from noon until Mass of Christian Burial at 4 PM. with Fr. Dan Felton officiating. Burial will take place at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com .

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements.

A special thank you to family and friends who supported us and Marty throughout his illness.