John Murphy Obituary

It was six years ago today that you went to Heaven. We all miss you. You were the anchor of our family. Mother is doing well at her assisted living facility. I will always miss and love you, Dad. I am so happy to have found your note to me way back in 2002. I know that you loved me, but it's good to see it in your own writing. What a precious keepsake!

Dad at Terry's retirement gathering

It's been five years since I last talked to you. You are sorely missed. My guess is that you wouldn't have liked being here on earth. The world is a mess. I really don't think that people in Heaven see what's going on here on earth. It's sometimes so depressing. I still wish I could talk to you. I have so many questions. I like to look at your old black and white photos. There are a lot of your friends and acquaintances in those photos. Many are not identified. I wish you wrote dates and identities on the backs of those photos. I am guilty of doing the same thing. I have photos of the twins when they were babies. Even though they weren't identical, they looked a lot alike. I cannot identify them with one hundred percent accuracy. I guess it really doesn't matter in the long run. I love and miss you dearly. I would love to be able to go to your house and just sit and talk. That's a simple thing that so many of us don't appreciate until it's gone. Until we meet again Dad!

As always, I love and miss you, Dad! I have been gardening a lot lately. I always think of you when I garden. Spring was your favorite season and it's mine too. I wish that I could plant flowers for you again. I think that you would like my flowers. They're perennials and they're a lot of work. I love gardening so it's not hard work in the long run. There's something to be said about working with God's creation and playing a small role in making the world a beautiful place. I planted the vegetable garden yesterday. It was very hot out there! You know how it is in the Chicagoland area. It's cold and then it's hot. I still like it a lot better than the cold weather. Some of my vegetable plants don't look too healthy. Hopefully, with water and fertilizer they will make it. We sure could use some rain too. Jim said that he heard that we are behind about 4" of rain. I hope it doesn't all come down at once!

Love,
Kathleen

Daddy-o: It's been four years since you left us. In ways it seems like forever ago. In other ways, it seems like yesterday I escorted mom out of St. Albert's, covering her with my umbrella. Then the slow drive to the cemetery in Elwood. I remember that you joked that you needed a passport to get to Christopher's house. I am not sure what you would make of that ride (intergalactic?).

I wish that you were here so I could tell you something silly - I am smitten by the printing press operator at work. I doubt that it's mutual, but I am smitten nonetheless. He plies the same craft as you.

I remember watching you operate your press at an open house that the can company. I watched you demonstrate, and I still didn't fully understand what you did for a living.

We are looking after little mama, your love. I try to get to her every 3 - 4 weeks. Like so many Illinoisans, she ditched the state. I suppose that you did the same, just in grander fashion.

There is much more news to report, but I won't. I wish that this could be a two-way conversation. I really miss you, dad.

With Love,

Your Mary

Hi Dad! Terry just found a short film clip of your graduating class online. Yes, it's the St. Rita 1949 graduation class. It was posted in June of 2020 so we would not have been able to show it to you. You were already in Heaven for just over a year. We actually think that we found you in the film. Terry, Ann, Mary, Brian and I all agree it's you. It was like a little gift from God to us. We all miss you and love you.

Dan, Connor, Callista and I visited your grave on May 28. We visit every few months. I always leave an Air Force flag for you. We also put pennies on your gravestone. I also visit a number of other friends who are there. You remember me talking about my friend Dale. He's there as a proud veteran of the 101st Airborne. You never met him, but I know you would have liked him. Dan, Sarah, Caitlin, Patrick and Allie visit you from time to time, too. I wish you could see all of your great grandchildren. I believe that they are truly amazing children. Of course, I am their grandma. You always talked about your legacy. You would be proud of them. Anyway, we are all doing well. The people who bought your house seem to love it. They have planted new bushes. Your beloved house is in good hands. Mom is doing very well now. I know she misses you as we all do.

Love Always,
Your Eldest Child,
Kathleen

Grandpa,
I had a lot and then just erased it. To keep it simple I will state the following. The weather is beautiful and my three kiddos were outside in the backyard playing. It took me back to being young. I remember your yard and your sandbox. I remember grandma serving fruit and those orange sherbet push pops with flintstones on them. I recall Caitlin eating a dripping ice cream cone while you held Patrick in his swaddled blanket. I remember you asking me the price of diapers and if I could recall life before being a mother. I still can but feel old. I wish you met my youngest. I found out about her hours after you died and she came into the world shortly after Chris died. She had spunk and I believe she is here to bring joy after that dark period of losing you guys. I just wish that my three could be in your back yard and that we could talk. Caitlin prays about you and her grandma. She asks God to send messages to you two a lot. I hope he does. She´s so big now. I wish you could see the kids.

I miss you, Dad. I will always be proud to say that you are my father. I miss your kindness, wisdom and humor. You were one of a kind, though I think Christopher was a lot like you. I miss him too. Both of you were not only family to me, but you were my friends. I love both of you forever. The world is less kind without the two of you. I still have so much to be grateful to God for. My children and grandchildren are the legacy that you always talked about. I pray that they are as kind and wise as you and Chris were. Until we are reunited, Love Always, Kathleen

Hi Dad! I know that you didn't want your house sold but it's time. You would have loved all the improvements. There are even all new windows upstairs. You always talked about new windows. I am still going through all your stuff and you cut out a LOT of ads from window places. Your "office" has been painted and has brand new carpeting. The wood floors have all been refurbished. You talked about doing that too. You would absolutely love your house now. You always did love it, anyway. I remember you saying how you were scared when you signed a 30 year mortgage knowing that you would be 60 when the house was paid off. Age is so relative when you get older. I am saddened to know that Chris and John didn't get to celebrate their 60th birthdays. It's weird that I have passed that age and feel old. Yet, it's young when you pass away before 60.

I am grateful that God gave you 88 years. I told you that I would miss you every day and I do. Dan has wind chimes that his teacher friends gave him in your remembrance. They got one for Mom too. They are all the same with Celtic crosses. Callista has seen me touch their chimes to say "hello" to you. She now does it too, only she says, Hi Great Grandpa!" It's very endearing and makes me happy. God has blessed us with 9 grandchildren. They are your legacy as you always used to say. They bring great joy to me even as I mourn your loss as well as that of my brothers. I miss all of you. It's selfish because you're all so much happier. I love you!

Dad things are changing down here. Gotta say I smile when I think of where you are. Safe. Happy. No unsettling events. No news media
Just pure love. No aches or pains. We took your walker out of the attic yesterday and my mind went to those times I would drive you places and take it out for you to walk. Wow dad you have no need of these things. I think about your sense of humor and quick wit and I can't help but smile. "Remove the props". Take care dad

Hi Dad! I am a member of the Sampson Air Force Base Facebook page. So are Terry and Brian. I think you would have loved it. I have posted a few of your letters on there. They always get a lot of comments. Sadly, there aren't a lot of Sampson veterans who are alive. Many of the members of this page are like myself and my brothers. They are the adult children of veterans. I love it when a veteran posts something because they have firsthand knowledge of the subject. I have your letters which are probably just as good if not better. The memories can fade but the written word is forever.

I wish I could talk to you again. You were so smart and well read. I miss that about you as well as your kindness and steadfast faith in your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You were a truly a man of integrity as well. You are missed greatly. I think about you every single day.

Recently, I misplaced my scarf. It's been extremely cold for a few days now. I decided to use one of your scarves. It's the black and white one that you always wore when we went to your doctors' appointments. I took it out of my drawer and kissed it. I couldn't help crying as I thought of the many times we went out to your appointments. I remember having you sit down while I registered you. You always had one your Air Force caps on no matter what the weather was. I would love to take you to one of your appointments again. But, it can't happen. I know you don't want me to be sad. I will never forget you telling me that you were ready to go home with Jesus. I know for a fact that is true. I love you and miss you. I will see you again where there will be no more tears.

I am thinking about you a lot lately. Today marks the last day that you graced us with your presence. I put you in your bed for the last time one year ago this evening. If course it was James's birthday. I will never forget seeing you kneeling by your bed praying for Baby James to make it. You didn't even know that I saw you. James pulled through and 54 years later you passed into Heaven. You passed away in the same bedroom where you knelt in fervent prayer. I am so glad that you got to die in your own bed as you wanted to. James was with you shortly before you died. He was the last person to speak to you. It's kind of ironic in my humble opinion. We all miss you so much. We all love you. God is good all the time. He took you home before Christopher went to Heaven. He answered all of your prayers.
Love Always,
Your Eldest Child, Kathleen

Dad, It's a year in 2 days. Kathleen and I visited your grave Sunday. I miss you. It's weird because it's really hitting me. I think about exactly a year ago you were still here. I want to reverse time and go to a year ago. But truly that's selfish. You were going downhill the last 2 months of your life. I would like to go back further in time. Like when you were downstairs lifting your 10 lb weights. So I thought " Hey .. I'll visit with Dad and get some exercise", so I grabbed the 5 lb weights. After a short time it was obvious that I couldn't lift 5 lbs for too long. You were always encouraging people where they were at. " You really should start with a lighter weight" you said, and told me you have 2 lb weights. I burst out laughing and to this day it's a great memory. Here my 87 year old Dad was lifting twice as much as me without a struggle! Well, Dad .. I smile through tears sometimes. Your sister Theresa is up there with you now. Jesus is taking care of you and for that I'm grateful. Never good bye -- I'll see you later

"Come on Murph! You can do it!" I was just thinking about the times I would be standing by the basement door watching you get dressed. You wouldn't know that I was there. You would talk to yourself in an encouraging manner. It was tough for you to do things on your own but you continued with the grace of God, to keep on keeping on. I have found a number of verses from the Bible that you had saved. You always loved the verses that reminded you that you were not alone. God was always with you even when it seemed like you were all alone. Yes, Dad you were very wise in the things of the Lord. You told me to not be anxious and to pray for everything. You were grateful for everything you had. You never complained about how hard it was to be getting older. "With age comes many ailments." Yet, I could tell just how much it bothered you to be losing your independence. You told me that you were ready to be with Jesus. I am thrilled that you are with Jesus and your ailments are no longer a problem. I love you Dad and I miss you every single day. Remember, what I said when you said that you were ready to be with Jesus? I told you that I would be happy for you but that I would miss you dearly. Yes, indeed...

Love Always,
Kathleen

Today marks three months since you went home to be with the Lord. You are missed just as much as you were on that first day. I love you, Dad.

Your Eldest Child,

Kathleen

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I love and miss You and think about You every day Dad. There are numerous situations where I just want to talk to You about what I've seen, heard or read.

Dad: I am doing as I said I would. I am training to run a marathon to memorialize you. Today the run was 18 miles. It's been six years since I have run that far. I'm a step or two slower. I got to mile 14 and I thought of walking, but I thought of you and your perseverance. You walked on your treadmill until it was impossible for you. I can do difficult things. You showed me how that works.

During the run, a Willie Nelson played from my playlist. I remembered your commentary on Mr. Nelson. I chuckled.

I ran through the woods and noted the changes already happening in advance of fall. You pointed them out to me in summers of my childhood. Leaves start falling in July. Slow at first, but then quickly in October and November. I noted the whining cicadas and the crickets and the wildflowers. I remembered walking with through the field where the library stands now. The prairie grasses were high, but there was a path cut through them. I noted the smells in the air. Rain. Ozone. Goldenrod. Just like the field behind the house.

Kathleen reports that the tomatoes in your yard are growing well. Remember 1976 after the hailstorm and flooding that June? The tomatoes grew better than ever.

I miss you and think of you often. So many things remind me of you. Say hello to all the folks up in Irish Catholic Air Force Heaven. If you see Len and Lu during visiting hours, let them know that I think of them often, too.

Your Daughter,

Marathon Mary

Two months ago today you went to be with God. It's been weird not having you to talk to. I joined the Sampson AFB Association as a hereditary member. I am looking forward to getting their publication. I also joined their online Facebook page. I have been telling the guys about my memories of your memories. I've really got some good discussions going. I told them about how you had to polish old fuzzy shoes. They immediately knew what I was talking about. Some of the guys were there in later years and that was still going on! I posted a photo of your dress blue uniform. I have been told that uniform was made of all wool. No wonder it's so heavy!

I love and miss you very much Dad. I am happy that you aren't struggling with health issues anymore. I still wish I could talk to you, though.

Your Eldest Child,
Kathleen

John and I first met in Grammar school, and have been friends ever since. We talked every 2-3 months. Sorry that I did not make that last call. We had a great group of Pals when we were young and kept in touch through the years. I will miss you John. God Bless.
May the good Lord keep you and your family in the palm of his hand Don Flynn

Well Dad,Its been a little over a month. Lot of thoughts went through my mind. Your wit was amazing! I smile when I think of those moments that caught me off guard, laughing. I heard the salute to the military branches at a fireworks show. I sobbed through the Air Force part. I miss you. But here you are in Heaven. No pain. I'm keeping your advise when I get worried You told me scripture. Don't be anxious for anything but instead pray. You were one of a kind Dad. Love and miss you

I love and miss you Dad.

Your eldest child,
Kathleen

I have been reading your letters to your family when you were in the Air Force. These ones are dated 1951 and 1952. It comforts me to read what my 20/21 year old Dad was writing. You were always a man of integrity. You spoke about accepting people as individuals no matter what race, color or creed they were. It sounded like you knew Martin Luther King before he became famous. You spoke of your great love and respect for your parents and sisters too. You were always grateful for everything.

I feel blessed that you left such a treasure trove behind for those of us who miss you so much. I am glad that you were a prolific letter writer. In fact you stated that the guys poked fun at you for it. The only time you went into town while stationed at Sheppard Air Force base was when you shopped for trinkets for your family or when you saw a movie.

You had great wit even as a young man. I love how you solved the problem of the other guys constantly asking for loans. It was brilliant!

I love and miss you, Dad.

Your daughter, Kathleen

I Love You and Miss You Very Much Dad. Last Father's Day, while we were in the pool, I called to wish You a Happy Father's Day and, while everyone present was doing the same, a B-17 flew by so low that you could hit it with a rock. I was so excited about telling you this that I felt like a little kid again. I'm glad we spent time together and enjoyed each other's company and I'll miss our chats and hearing your great stories. I will miss You until the day I die and until then, Carry on T/Sgt. Murphy and Thank You, Thank You and Thank You. Love Your Son Terry.

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

I've been going over the mountains of paperwork that you saved, Dad. It is kind of comforting because in a way it is the story of your life. There are receipts for every big thing you ever purchased. I found the paid in full letters for your 1959 Rambler and 1965 Chevy Impala. I remember both of those cars. I also found the pay off letter for your house which you loved so much. You were so delighted when you could finally say that your house belonged to you (and the Cook County tax man).

You told me that you lived from paycheck to paycheck. There were times that you just made it to the bank to deposit your check in order to cover bills. You needed to work at your full time job and pick up other jobs to pay the bills. That's why you joined the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. You loved the four years that you served in the United States Air Force, so it was right up your alley. You once told me that you delivered flowers for weddings/funerals too. You always worked so hard. I remember hating it when you worked overtime. I also remember hating when you had to go away for the weekend to fulfill your Reserve duties. But, you had to put food on the table. You always gave God thanks for allowing you to pay your bills on time. You were never late nor did you miss a payment.

I have a vivid memory of you having holes in your shoes. Instead of buying a new pair, you put cardboard in your shoes. In the last few months I teased you about your repair jobs on various things. You used tape a lot! I am going to keep one of your taped up belts as a sweet memory of you. I also have your wallet with the ten dollar bill in it (just in case). You said you didn't need money anymore because you never went anywhere. That's true. I will not spend your ten dollars. It's just another sweet memory of you, Dad. I have inherited your frugal ways but I don't use tape nearly as much as you did. I really don't think it's the answer to everything.

I love you so much that it hurts. I miss you. This first Father's Day without you is tough. However, we have a lot of great fathers in our family. I am going to focus on them. I know that you don't want me to be sad. I love you, Dad.

Love you and miss You Dad, you were a great man and a great father. We had plenty of good times together and I'll never forget them.

I planted your flowers yesterday, Dad. I wish you could see them. I was sitting in your backyard with Terry for a long time after I planted the flowers. I always remember how much you loved your backyard. It is pretty. I am going to take care of the flowers. I also have a tomato plant for your little garden. I will plant that soon. Terry and I had many fond memories that we discussed while relaxing in your backyard. It was a beautiful day. We joked that you were sitting in your chair in the basement listening to our conversation. Terry has mentioned many times that you actually cleaned the chairs that we sat on just a short time ago. I am amazed at the things that you did even when you were so sick. Your chairs will be getting plenty of use. I love you, Dad. I miss you so much it hurts. I know that you are alive and well with Jesus now. It's always beautiful where you are. I just know that I miss spending beautiful days sitting outside with you. You loved when the weather got nice enough to sit outside. You loved sunny days. I am glad that you are happy and healthy and you are living in the eternal light of God.

I know that you didn't follow sports much anymore. However, you would call me and ask for scores of certain games. You were fascinated with how fast I could get scores and information on just about anything. You told me that right before you retired you started to learn how to use a computer at work. You talked about how the young ladies who worked with you were always available to help you. I think you would have learned how to use computers very well if you had continued working. You were a very intelligent man. But, I digress.

I just heard that the Cubs won yesterday. It brought back a fond memory of a story that you told me. Even though you were Southside Irish through and through, you somehow became a Chicago Cubs fan. You told me that you would listen to them on the radio. You were totally invested in the 1945 season and the Cubs went to the World Series against the Detroit Tigers. They broke your heart when they lost the series. You said that you cried. I also remember the 1969 season when the Cubs were doing very well. You would come home from work and watch them on television. They broke your heart again when they lost the pennant race to the New York Mets after being far ahead in the standings for a very long time. You gave up on watching them because you were too emotionally involved and you would become upset.

You were thrilled with the 2016 Cubs team. You knew all of the players names and everything about them even though you didn't actually watch the games. You would read the sports pages or you'd call me for scores. I am glad that the Cubs made it up to you before you went home to be with the Lord. Because of you I passively support the Cubs too. I have no idea how they're doing since I don't really follow them, but I'm happy when they win. I am especially happy that they won on the day that we buried you. That's because my dad had loved them so much. I love you Dad and I miss you so much it hurts.

Dad: We pulled through today, too. The Abraham Lincoln Cemetery ceremony was top-notch. As the airmen who attended to your flag walked away, I noted their shoes clicking. Remember when we watched "Gardens of Stone" together? Jackie Willow was assigned to Arlington and noted that his shoes clicked.

Mom pulled through. Chris did an awesome eulogy. We Protestants stumbled through the mass. If you meet Martin Luther and John Calvin when you're up there, learn their theology. But you know what, Daddy-o? It's not our theology that gets us into heaven. It is the atoning act of Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose again. You know that.

Stella was a dear. She told the priest at St. Albert that she was praying for "the best neighbor in the world." I'm glad that you had good neighbors. For many years, you didn't.

Dolly was there. Dr. Michelle came to lunch. Nurse Judy was there, too. We all had friends, family and co-workers come out for you.

You had a regular ecumenical council there. Pastor Ron Algur, from 1st Baptist, Rev. Kevin, from the Assembly of God, and, of course, the priest from St. Albert's.

Joe the Kraut came. He had to introduce himself since you were the only one who would know him. Pretty neat.

You were a cool old dude. We love you. We miss you.

Tomorrow, it's back to work. I have to start living my life without you. I'll think of you daily. We will all look after mom.

We love you, Dad. Thank you.

Well Dad we made it through the wake. There were a lot of people there. You looked like you had a smile on your face. I am sure that you are happy with Jesus now. Mom kept looking at you and I could tell that she misses you a ton. At the end of the night we were putting the food away and it came to my mind that we should bring home a sandwich for you. I cannot believe that you are gone. Tomorrow is going to be tough on all of us. God is good and as you always said, He is always with us. We will get through this with His help. I love you and miss you dear Daddy.

I love and miss your smile and wonderful stories. I miss everthing about you. I miss your sincere hugs and prayers for my health. Thank you for being a joyful light in my life. I will miss you dearly. Valerie Murphy

My condolences go out to the family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you have with John. Support one another. And may you receive comfort from our Heavenly Father.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Jackie, Kathleen & Jim, Sarah, Dan & kiddos - So super sorry for your loss. We love you all!

We are so saddened to hear about John and offer our deepest condolences to the Murphy and Schultz family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Matthew 5:4

Condolences for the loss of this Great Man to all lives he has touched. We have great memories forever in our heart. The song has ended but the melody lingers on.....

Dad, You made me who I am, or at least some of the cool parts. You taught me faith. You taught me the joys of learning and going for walks. You taught me to be frugal.

Today I looked at my steering wheel. I realize that there is a worn part where the right thumb rests. I wore it out by fidgeting while driving. Just like you.

I cleaned my gutters yesterday. I removed oodles of maple seeds. I recalled you pulling tiny maple trees from the river rock in the gangway. You said, "God sure must love maple trees!" He does, I'm sure. Maybe you can ask about that.

When I thought that I screwed up my life forever by having a baby as a teenager, you made it better. You loved my little girl and you were her companion. She came along a little before you retired. I think that was no mistake. You needed a buddy to hang around with. You loved her and how she loved you!

You were unrelenting. Even when you were sick, you would walk a half hour on your treadmill. I got my endurance from you.

Even though you're gone, and I miss you, I know I have to keep going. Life calls. It always does. I'll answer, because I was taught a good ethic by one of the best.

By the way, I swiped one of the union contracts from your dresser. You showed me that you were named in the contracts, and you were proud of your work as a union steward.

I looked at your thank you note from February 2014. You sent me a thank you for the C-47. I screwed up. You said P-47 and I got you a C-47. In the thank you, you told me to look after your planes when you go to Irish Catholic Air Force heaven. Kathleen asked for one, and I said sure, just not the C-124. I am pretty sure that we can trust her with one or more.

In that thank you, you called me "Marathon Mary." I haven't run a marathon since September 2013. I figured that I would run one in your memory this fall. I will hold you in my heart each mile of the race and throughout training.

I love you, Dad. I hope that I made you proud.

Marathon Mary

Mr Murphy, My childhood memories of you are that of a strong , quiet, simple man. A nice man who made you feel welcome. Thats what Ill always remember about you and Mrs Murphy. You were a proud man , head of your household, proud of your home. You will always have a piece of my memory until we meet again. Thank you for your kids, I love them all, you did good with everyone of them per me, Mr Murph!

Mary; we're sorry for your loss. If you were in the class of '69 at Bogan H.S.; please contact me. Thank you

Grandpa, I have so many memories with you and I can still hear your voice in my mind. You and Grandma were always the first called for when my babies were born. You were always a priority to us when you needed help and not a burden. You definitely had a unique personality. I will never be told I owe anybody denture cleaner again. Nor will I hear your comments about people when I am busting you out of rehab. (4th of July in particular sticks out).There's so much that I can say but words would not suffice. I miss you more than you would have ever known. I love you and I am grateful to have had 33 years of my life with you in it. I know you are in a better place and that keeps me going. That and you favorite Irish named Great Grandchildren keep me busy. Until we see each other again I will always love and miss you. Please hug my children that are up there with you.Love,Sarah

Dad, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met. You were witty, intelligent, and had moral integrity that few people ever have. I learned so much from you. I learned to apologize and I'm learning to forgive others. Your child like faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ touched my heart more than you will ever know. I love the fact that you made a poster to put on your dresser that said, "Jesus loves me!" You knew it but you wanted to be reminded of it every day. You embodied the love of Christ. You have made me what I am.

Your love for Mom was beyond limitation. You modeled what it means to love your spouse. I know that Mom loves you too. She is having a very hard time with you being gone. She told me that you were her other half and now she feels like a part of her is missing. She cries often but in time she will be able to remember the good times and her tears will be dried. I also cry a lot. I miss you like crazy already. I look down in the basement and your chair is empty. There are no more black and white westerns playing on the television. John Wayne is still standing there keeping watch over your stuff but he's just cardboard and doesn't say anything. I miss talking to you. I miss getting phone calls from you, " just to talk." I have saved a lot of your voicemail messages and I will listen to them. I need to hear your voice. I want to hug you and tell you that I love you again. I want to make sure that you take your pills and don't fall. However, I know that you are much better off in Heaven with Jesus. You no longer have diabetes, congestive heart failure, lung problems, kidney problems, loss of eye sight and hearing, etc. You have received the ultimate healing! You have been preparing us for your homegoing. It was all so easy for us to talk about your wish to be with Jesus. I told you then that I was happy that you would be with Jesus, but I would miss you every single day. That started on day one of your leaving us. I love you!