Rita Ann Murphy

Rita A. Murphy, 85, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, at Brewster Village, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 18, 1937, in Watertown, the daughter of William and Hilda (Munzel) Maron. Rita graduated from Watertown High School, the Class of 1954, and was united in marriage on June 7, 1958, to Rev. John F. Murphy. He preceded her in death on February 11, 2019, after 60 years of marriage. Rita worked for many years in the banking industry. She retired from Integrity Insurance in Appleton.

Rita enjoyed traveling, crocheting and knitting, tatting, and reading. Her family was of prime importance to her. She loved attending their events and spending time with them at holiday get togethers, especially at Christmas. Rita was a member of Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, Appleton. She had a strong faith and shared it readily with those around her. She served on the church’s altar guild and attended bible study.

Rita is survived by her five children: Cindy (John) Kehl of Appleton, Jean (Kenneth) Neumann of Colorado, Thomas Murphy of Appleton, Mark (Jodi) Murphy of Jackson, and John (Rhonda) Murphy of De Pere; six grandchildren: Daniel (Jillian) Neumann, Brianna (Peter) Lucht, Mason (Nancy) Murphy, Karissa Murphy, Joshua Murphy, and Macaida Murphy; two great grandchildren: Adalynn and Kayleigh Neumann; step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Lockridge their children Harrison, Annabelle, Sofia, Aria and Everson, Keith (Aileen) Neumann their daughters, Stella and Quinn, Emily Neumann, Tim (Jacque) Neumann their sons Clark and Kurt; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Karen (Lyle) Reiter of Illinois, Mike (Carol) Murphy of Fremont, and Karen Murphy of Menomonee Falls; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son-in-law: Mark Van Zummeren; siblings: Erwin (Carol) Maron, Arnold Maron, Gerhard (Bernadette) Maron, Lucille (Robert) Behlke, and Ruth (David) Hasslinger; and a brother-in-law: Roger Murphy.

Funeral services for Rita will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Ave., Appleton. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, Appleton for mission work.

Rita’s family would like to thank the staff at Brewster Village and ThedaCare at Home and Hospice for their care and compassion. They would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ministers and staff minister at Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church for their multiple visits and many prayers on her behalf.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” - Luke 2: 29-32