Donald R. Murphy

MADISON-Donald R. Murphy, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. He was born on May 12, 1925, in DePere, the son of Robert and Helen (Liebergen) Murphy. Don attended St. Mary's Grade School, East DePere High School and Randall Business College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and survived the sinking of the U.S.S. Mccawley on June 30, 1943, in wartime action near Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. Don was awarded the U.S. Navy Unit Commendation Medal while a member of the crew of the U.S.S. President Hayes while engaged in war-time action near the Island of Bougainville. He was also awarded the U.S. Marine Corp. Unit Commendation Medal for war-time action while a U.S. Navy member of a combat communications team attached to the 3rd Marine Division in the recapture of the Island of Guam in 1944. Don was a special agent with the Intelligence Section of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue until his retirement in 1988. He was a frequent volunteer for various organizations including St. Mary's Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary. He served as president of the East Side Business Men's Association in 1979, and he held leadership-rolls as a member of the Madison Elks Club, and several local sports-conservation groups. Don is survived by his daughter, Kathryn of Madison; daughter-in-law, Sharon Isenhart; brother-in-law, William Janssen; sisters-in-law, Jacquielin (Roger) Murphy and Joyce (Wayne) Murphy of St. Louis Park, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Timmerman) Murphy; sons, Michael and Steven; brothers, Wayne and Roger; and sisters, Jean (Jack) Farley of Portland, Ore., and Muriel (William) Janssen of DePere, Wis. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Don's Life at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 noon, on Friday, May 20, 2016, with Father John Silva presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420