Orville M. Murphy

MURPHY, ORVILLE MICHAEL

Orville M. Murphy, age 85, of Appleton, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, with his family at his side. Orville was born on September 21, 1920, in Freedom, Wisconsin, to the late Robert M. and Mary C. (Fox) Murphy. He married Germaine M. Calmes on June 30, 1943 at Sacred Heart Parish in Appleton. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage together. The marriage was blessed with five children, Michael (Marjorie) Murphy, Black Creek; Patrice (Frederick) Kranzusch, Appleton; Bonnie (Mark) Rabideau, Kaukauna; Kathy (John) Hanneken, Tempe, Arizona; and Brian (Kathy) Murphy, Appleton; his twelve grandchildren, Erik Kranzusch (fiancé Lynn Feutz); Kristin (Dan) Brellenthin; Robert Murphy; Sean Murphy; Ryan Murphy; Neal Rabideau; Keith Rabideau; Erin Hanneken; Kelly Hanneken; Patrick Murphy; Kyle Murphy; Tyler Murphy; his brothers and sister, Arlene Murphy-Gage, Appleton; Francis (Lois) Murphy, Appleton; Robert Murphy, Appleton; and many nieces and nephews. Orville was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Murphy, Orlando, FL; his brother-in-law and childhood friend, Lawrence (Larry) Gage, Appleton, Wisconsin. Orville was a kind and fair man who was loved by his employees. He was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather. Orville graduated from St. Norbert High School in 1938. While there he received Military training in the 3 year course, Junior Division, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Orville had a tremendous love and respect for his country. He was a veteran of World War II and had special training at the Adjutant General’s School in San Antonio, Texas. Sergeant Orville M. Murphy received the following decorations and citations: Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar and Good Conduct Medal. Orville has been a life-time member of the Appleton Elk’s Club 337. Orville joined his mother and father in their business in 1946 and formed the corporation known as Murphy Construction Company. Orville became president of Murphy Construction Company at an early age. Under Orville’s leadership Murphy Construction Company expanded and in 1988 merged all the companies together forming one company known as MCC, INC. Orville was the youngest man at the time to be elected to the Wisconsin Road Builders Association board of directors at the age of 28. He was a former president and on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Aggregate Association. He was a member and on the executive board of directors of the National Limestone Institute. He was a member and a former board of director of the Wisconsin Ready Mix Association. He was president and board member of the Black Creek Limestone Company. Orville was on the board of directors of Valley Ready Mix, Murphy Concrete Products, Schabo Materials, MRK Construction, Landwehr Materials and Inland Materials, Orlando, Florida. Orville was on the board of directors of the Valley Bank of Black Creek (M & I) and on the Advisory Committee for Fox Valley Technical College. He was a member, former president and board member of the Vilas County Improvement Co. In recognition for his love of nature and work in the New London Nature Preserve, Orville received a lifetime membership. Belonging to the Intrav International Travelers Club & National Travelers Club, Orville and Germaine traveled the world. They have been to every continent. One of their most memorable trips was their trip “Around the World” on the Concord. Of all the countries he had been in Orville said his favorite place was Ireland. He said the Irish are wonderful people and he felt very welcomed and at home there. Orville was a member of the Irish American Cultural Institute.

Orville had a deep faith in God which showed in his daily living and in his business. From serving as an altar boy in his youth to being a charter member of St. Thomas More Parish in Appleton, Orville’s faith was an example that his children and grandchildren follow. Orville loved the northwoods of Wisconsin, especially Eagle River. There he enjoyed the beauty of nature and his summer home on Catfish Lake since 1951. It was the gathering place for all of his children, their spouses and the grandchildren. Many happy memories were made there. Orville and Germaine have wintered in Tempe, Arizona since 1984. When asked when was the best time of his life, Orville responded, “The entire time. I’ve had a wonderful life!” He truly meant it. The family would like to thank Janet Kruse and Mary Schumacher for the love and gentle care given to Orville.. You are our angels. The family would also like to thank Dr. Lee Vogel for her medical care and compassion she has shown Orville and his family. You are one in a million, Dr. Vogel. Thank you also to ThedaCare at Home Hospice for all of your comfort and support.

A special good-bye from your children: Dad, we will miss you forever but know that you are happy in heaven with grandmother and grandfather and Uncle Rich and Uncle Larry; playing sheepshead, laughing and having an old-fashioned. The memory of your green Lincoln driving through the quarries will remain with us forever. We were so lucky to have you as our dad. We will be together again. We love you.
Michael, Patti, Bonnie, Kathy and Brian

Dear Orv,
You have been my partner for over 62 years. We’ve been through a lot together in those 62 years. I will miss you terribly but know that in God’s love we will be together again.
All my love, Germaine

Love, loyalty, friendship

The Mass of the Resurrection will at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1818 North McDonald Street, Appleton, with Fr. Gerald Falk officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, Menasha, on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and directly at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. There will a Parish Prayer and Scripture Service at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Orville’s name.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
“Tri-County Chapel”
3212 South Oneida Street
Menasha 831-9905
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com