Phyllis Mae Murphy

Phyllis Mae Murphy

April 25, 1927 - June 15, 2025

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Obituary

MOUNT HOREB - Phyllis Mae Murphy passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was born on April 25, 1927, in Mount Horeb, to Sophia and Olaus Martinson. Phyllis was baptized, confirmed and married at Mount Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church. Her mother’s family owned Olson’s Restaurant in downtown Mount Horeb. Though she was an only child, she loved working alongside her family at the restaurant and serving the community of Mount Horeb.  

 

Upon graduation from Mount Horeb High School she entered the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Once she earned her nursing degree, she was employed at Methodist Hospital for the next 30 plus years, working in many roles: charge nurse, OR, OB, ER nurse and then nursing supervisor. She was also a member of the United States Cadet Nursing Corp.   


Phyllis met Donald J. Murphy who was a customer at her family's restaurant while she was waitressing. In May of 1949 she married Don with whom she had three children: Steven, Pamela and Dennis. The family lived in Madison until 1966 when they bought their dream farm in Iowa County, Wis. Phyllis would say the farm was located at the corner of 'Hollywood and Vine.' She loved all the things that the farm life had to offer, from milking cows and feeding calves, to making black-cap jam and apple sauce.


Our mom was an amazing woman! She was strong, social, compassionate and had a zest for life. She worked as a nurse by day and then a devoted farm wife once she was home. Phyllis was especially proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed making Lefse and cookies for friends and family. She was never one to complain or say a bad word. Her health was always very important to her, and she believed in exercising her mind and body. At the age of 95 she was still mowing the lawn on the farm! Phyllis always maintained a positive attitude through life, truly embracing the motto, “Don’t Worry Be Happy."


Phyllis is survived by her sons, Steven (Jean) Murphy and Dennis (Tammy) Murphy; son-in-law, Tim Kaker; grandchildren, Ron Murphy, Carrie Murphy (Isaac Wankerl), Jeffrey (Susie) Murphy, Ben (Laura) Kaker, Jaclyn (Josh) Miller and Michael (Brianne) Murphy; and great-grandchildren, Ron Murphy Junior, Cooper Wankerl, Owen and Dylan Kaker, Maya and Ava Grace Miller, and Charlie Mae and Calvin Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; daughter, Pamela; and her baby brother, Gilman Benjamin.


She was a loving mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma and feeder of the calves!


Phyllis’ family would like to thank Agrace Home Hospice Driftless team and Michael and Brianne Murphy for their loving care of Grandma.


"Mom, I am going to lock the door so no one takes you.”  “Okay but if they take me… they’ll bring me back in the morning”. LOL


A funeral service will be at MOUNT HOREB EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will take place at Mount Horeb Union Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at church. Family invites you to wear colorful clothing to celebrate Phyllis’ life.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077

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AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for Phyllis Mae Murphy
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson-Camacho Funeral Home – Mt. Horeb
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Ann
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Phyllis was a pillar of strength, a person who shared love freely and a giver. We were privileged to know and love her. Ann and Phil Dettwiler
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Bridget Murray
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My heartfelt condolences to the family. I was blessed to have known this amazing and beautiful lady. I will miss our talks and laughter over sun chips and chocolate. Keep on dancing Phyllis Mae! Much love, Bridget
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Mary Lu Anderson
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I am an RN and worked with Mrs. Murphy for many years at Methodist Hospital. She was a steady and calming presence during the long overnight hours. She held a lot of hands including those of young inexperienced nurses. She frequently talked about her boys and all their shenanigans. I often wondered when she slept since she was at the hospital all night. Murph was a "one-of-a kind" old nurse and I was blesssed to have learned from her and worked with her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
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Audrey Luetscher
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I first met Mrs Murphy when she cared for my gravely injured father in Methodist hospital “ICU”. I was 15 then. After high school I graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. My first RN job in 1972, led me back to Mrs Murphy who was then day supervisor. I had great respect for her and her knowledge. My condolences to the family. Audrey Luetscher
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Julie Causley
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I met Phyllis when she visited her son, Steve,and his wife Jean in Georgetown, Texas.Phyllis's welcoming smile, sense of humor, zest for life, and inner goodness drew me to her immediately.Luckily for me, she saw something worthwhile in me, and a close friendship began. I know that anytime I want to feel her strong, loving soul's presence, all I have to do is "Look Up", and she will be there. Thank you Steve and Jean for enriching my life with the extraordinary, incredible Phyllis.

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