Michael Murphy

Michael Anthony “Mike” Murphy, fondly known as “Murph”, age 74, passed away at his home in Siren, WI with family by his side on Thursday, February 15, 2018. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on January 13, 1944, the son of Sylvester and Mabel (Fridley) Murphy. Mike was a 1962 graduate of Luck High School. He went on to attend the Minnesota School of Business, then earned his two year teaching certificate, before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In 1967, he began his career in Siren, WI teaching Junior High Mathematics. Mike married Barbara Mitchell on June 1, 1968 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Frederic, WI. Their marriage was blessed with three children. Mike was a caring husband, father and grandfather. He was a teacher, mentor, coach and friend. He was dedicated to his students and instrumental in starting the Applied Mathematics Program, Track and Field Team, and Hockey Program. Stemming from his younger years of playing basketball and fast pitch softball, Mike was passionate about sports and enjoyed being a coach. He organized softball tournaments, as well as, free throw and math contests to keep students and community motivated. Mike was named Coach of the year and Volunteer of the year for the State of Wisconsin, as well as, Citizen of the year in 2013 for Siren, WI. He was Track Coach of the year and his name was added to the Siren School wall of fame. He was a devoted member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus. Mike will be remembered for his wonderful smile that inspired so many. Mike “Murph” leaves to celebrate his memory, his loving wife, Barbara Murphy, Siren, WI; children, Tim (Therese) Murphy, Joliet, IL, and Lynn Murphy, Siren, WI; grandchildren, Izaiah Murphy and Kanya Ann Marie Dwire; sister, Pat Sandgren, Chaska, MN; brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Mitchell, Amery, WI; nephews, Ryan, Cory, and Dominick Sandgren, and Paul Mitchell. Mike was preceded in death by his son, Michael Murphy Jr. “Tony”; parents, Sylvester and Mabel Murphy; and parents-in-law, David and Eleanor Mitchell. A Memorial Visitation honoring the life of Mike Murphy will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Siren High School on Sunday, February 25, 2018. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM (visitation 10:00-11:00 AM) at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Frederic, WI on Monday, February 26, 2018, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.