Kathryn T. Murphy

Kathryn Theresa Murphy, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Island Shores in Neenah. She was born in Menasha on February 18, daughter of the late William and Adeline (Weinfurter) Hackstock. Katie was united in marriage to Lee Murphy on August 25, 1962.

Upon graduation from St Mary Central High School in 1955 in Menasha, Katie worked at Marathon Corporation for several years. She then went on to work for the Menasha School District for 27 years as an Executive Assistant to the Social Services Department.

Katie’s greatest joy was her love of children no matter what background or ability that they had. She loved all of them unconditionally. She took great joy in sending out hundreds of cards every year whether it was someone’s birthday or the holidays. Katie loved the holidays and her home was decorated every holiday. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She baked several candies and cookies every Christmas.

Katie volunteered her time over the years for events such as religious education, election poll worker, Cub Scouts Leader, visiting the sick, and being an adopted Grandparent to name a few. Katie was a devoted Catholic and prayed the rosary consistently and attended mass on a regular basis. She loved to shop, play bingo, attend craft shows and cook for her family and friends. She especially loved Christmas – from decorating and baking to wrapping several presents for all of her family friends.

Katie is survived by her husband Lee of 59 years; two sons: Tim (special friend Karen) and Dan (Marty Padilla-Murphy) Murphy; a grandson Bryson Murphy; a sister-in-law Patricia Murphy, as well as several nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Adeline Hackstock, in-laws Clem & Evelyn Murphy, sisters Mary Ann Hirsch and Helen Quigley, and brother-in-law Ed Hirsch. She was also preceded in death by her beloved dogs Ski-doo, Annie, and Mia.

The funeral liturgy for Katie will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, located at 528 Second Street in Menasha, with Fr. Michael Lightner officiating.  Interment will be in St. John Cemetery.  Family and friends may call directly at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Island Shores as well as to the ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial will be set up for a scholarship fund for the Menasha School District.