Obituary of John F. Murphy

John F. “Jack” Murphy, 9/03/25 to 12/19/16, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 12/19/16. Jack is survived by his children Miriam “Mimi”, John (Jeanie), Maureen (Rod) Pitsch, Molly (Steve) Kenney, and Bob; grandchildren, Molly Murphy, Vince, Ellie, Charlie and Jack Murphy, Mark Pitsch, Jilian (Collin) LeMaster, Bridget and Jim Kenney, Connor and Jack Murphy, and great grandson, Enzo; siblings, Robert, William (Sue), sister-in-law Mary Lou and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife Miriam, parents Robert and Marie “Mae” Murphy, siblings Virginia and Paul, and sister-in-law Gladys. Jack was born in the small town of Chillicothe, Missouri and was the son of Irish immigrants. Jack’s father was a tailor and later became the custodian at Jack’s high school. Even though money was tight, Jack grew up in a loving family that instilled in him the value of hard work, education, humility, respect for others and a deep faith in God. From these humble beginnings, Jack persevered and graduated from the University of Missouri @ Columbia law school and began a long and notable career as an attorney and lobbyist. Jack married the love of his life, Miriam Seidel, on June 12, 1954 and together they were blessed with five children in six years! They began their early years of marriage in St. Louis, Missouri and later moved their growing family to Minneapolis in 1960 to pursue a career with NWNL in their legal department, specializing in government relations. Jack continued his career as a lobbyist for the insurance industry with Lutheran Brotherhood and later with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In all aspects of his professional life, Jack subscribed to a simple standard: “Be prepared!” Jack volunteered his time in a number of different ways for the betterment of his community and environment. Besides being a regular scripture reader and CCD teacher at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis and later as a greeter at Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, Jack also served on several boards, committees, and neighborhood groups. He was on the board of the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library, (now known as Friends of the Hennepin County Library), for 17 years where he advocated for the new construction of the downtown library. Jack was on the board of the Cullen Lakes Association for many years, where he spearheaded efforts to preserve the shoreline and its habitat. He also organized his Colfax neighborhood to help control Dutch Elm disease. Jack also was a leading volunteer for the United Way campaign at NWNL. Jack enjoyed the outdoors and raised his children to experience the joys and misadventures of camping, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the “Joint on the Point” cabin in Nisswa, Minnesota. Jack passed on his love for playing cards, reading stories and building campfires at the cabin with all of his children and grandchildren. Known as the “Everlasting Captain” by his close group of fishing companions, Jack was always ready to organize the annual fishing trip to Lake Kabetogama. Jack was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was kind, compassionate and took a genuine interest in people from all walks of life. He was a careful and considerate man who always had a smile and a handshake at the ready for those that might need it most. “That Smile” is what stood out for those who knew Jack during his last three years at Mount Olivet Careview Memory Care Unit. Although Alzheimer’s robbed Jack of his broad vocabulary, he was still able to communicate and light up a room with his smile and face the darkest part of his disease with grace and unwavering courage. The staff at Mount Olivet cared deeply for Jack when he was most vulnerable and he was blessed to have them in his life. Through their loving care, Jack was ready and prepared to be reunited with Miriam and the rest of his departed family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, December 29 at 11:00 am at Pax Christi Catholic Church. Visitation beginning at 10:00 at the church. Private interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Eden Prairie, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Careview Home, 5517 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419; Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 or Friends of Hennepin County Library: John F. Murphy Endowment Fund, 300 Nicollet Mall 55401. Cremation Society of Minnesota (952) 924-4100