MOUNT HOREB - Earl J. Murphy, age 87, of Middleton, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on May 15, 1938, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Earl James (Sr.) and Gladys (Stebnitz) Murphy.

Earl graduated from Arena High School in 1956. He and Marie (Crook) were high school sweethearts. They married on June 6, 1958, and enjoyed 67 years of marriage and love. Earl enjoyed a career as a business owner and operator in the hardware industry. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the River Valley School Board.

Earl was young at heart. He had a boyish mischievous grin when called out on his shenanigans...and he enjoyed life to the fullest with Marie always by his side.

Earl loved his family and making memories with them. He and Marie spent several years as full-time motor homers enjoying the winter months in the southern states and when in Wisconsin they were long-time hosts at Brigham County Park. Earl enjoyed his toy train collection, and the grandchildren enjoyed playing with them too. He also loved flying kites and radio control airplanes throughout his lifetime. Earl loved to sing! He enjoyed singing in his church choir and was often requested to sing Danny Boy at weddings and funerals. Earl had an innovative mind and would build or fix anything that his family needed or wanted, including building a ski hill and ski lift on their property. He enjoyed people - meeting new people and talking to them, finding commonalities with anyone. His community was very important to him, and he always wanted to give back!

Earl is survived by his wife, Marie; daughters, Nita Holm, Colleen (Shawn) Dugan, Marcie (Christopher) Mott and Tricia (Danny) Spencer-Olthoff; sons, Nicholas Murphy and Steven (Lori) Murphy; grandchildren, Shannon (Adam) Beach, Caitlin Dugan, Morgan Spencer, Lindsey Murphy, Adam Mott and Davis Spencer; and siblings, Frances, Gladys, Janet and Patricia (Merle). He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald, Rosemary, Robert, Harlan, Wendell, Tom and Jerry; and son-in-law, Bill Holm.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 109 S. Sixth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with Father Brian Dulli presiding. Burial will be held at St. Barnabas Catholic Cemetery in Mazomanie. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral AND Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

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

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

Earl J. Murphy Jr.

May 15, 1938 - February 27, 2026

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