October 23, 1943 - November 20, 2017

John E. Murphy III, aged 74 of Spooner, passed away Monday, November 20, 2017 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI.  He was born October 23, 1943 in Washington D.C. the son of John E. Murphy II and Elizabeth Fitzgerald.  He was united in marriage to the love, rock and poetry of his life, Djoni Gabreski on October 30, 1965.

John grew up on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i.  After many years of working for Pan American World Airways in Honolulu, he decided to move his family to Chicog Township, WI at the age of 39 in an attempt to live off the land. After that proved to be harder than expected, he spent a number of years as Overnight Maintenance/Security in Hertel, WI. He loved discussing politics, going to the gym and was an avid gardener.

He is survived by his two sons, John E. (Patti) Murphy IV of Forest Lake, MN and Kiko (Rachel) Murphy of Sarona, WI; his grandchildren (who knew him affectionately as “Grumpy”), Julia, Sasha, Ryan, Patrick and Evan; his sister, Jane Murphy-Schulberg of Spooner and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Djoni, his step-mother, Elizabeth Steen, his brother, Pierce Murphy and his cherished dog, Pooch.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Spooner Funeral Home, 306 Rusk Street in Spooner, where visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. until the hour of the service.  Interment will be held privately. 

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:44 pm CST