Thomas P. Murphy

July 17, 1948 - June 5, 2010

Thomas P. Murphy, age 61, of Brownsville, Wisconsin, died Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just 3 weeks ago.

Visitation for Tom will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Horicon on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM where a rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held at church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 950 Washington Street in Horicon. Fr. Mike Petrie will officiate. Burial will be at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon.

Thomas Patrick Murphy was born on July 17, 1948 in St. James, Minnesota to Francis and Marjorie (Rasmussen) Murphy. He was a 1966 graduate of Portage High School and a 1972 graduate of UW Oshkosh with a degree in Elementary Education. On August 8, 1970, Tom was united in marriage with Virginia Wilkinson in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. He taught at Herman Consolidated School east of Horicon and then at Van Brunt Middle School in Horicon for a total of 37 years. Tom”s optimistic attitude toward life was contagious to those around him. His teaching philosophy included the phrase: “Tomorrow never comes.” While teaching, Tom also enjoyed coaching; he coached 7th and 8th grade football for 26 years. In addition Tom coached the Horicon boys JV basketball and served as the assistant Varsity coach, later he coached the Horicon girls JV basketball team and served as the assistant Varsity coach. He also served as the Horicon Athletic Booster Club President since 2000. Tom retired from teaching in 2006 and enjoyed working part-time at the Lomira Auto Auction. His retirement hobbies included playing golf, caring for his home, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Through his involvement in school, church, and community life, his influence has touched the hearts and minds of many.

His memory will be treasured and carried on by his family. His wife, Virginia Murphy of Brownsville; Carrissa (Andrew) Brayer of New Berlin, Kevin (Kari) Murphy of Cedar Falls, IA, Nick (Krista) Murphy of Mesa, AZ, and Kimberly Murphy of Waterloo, IA; six grandchildren, Christian, Justin, Annabel, Timothy, Kaylee, and Colin; his mother, Marjorie Murphy of Portage; his sister, Jenny (Dan) Brunt of Portage, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Francis Murphy, and a brother, Lawrence Murphy.

The family wishes memorials to be made in Thomas Murphy”s name to the Horicon Athletic Booster Club, P.O. Box 7, Horicon, WI 53032.

The Murray Funeral Home, 716 Clinton Street in Horicon, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com

Visitation Details

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010, 10:00am – 11:00am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Service Details

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010, 11:00am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Interment Details

St. Malachy Cemetery-Horicon

Thomas P. Murphy, age 61, of Brownsville, Wisconsin, died Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just 3 weeks ago. Visitation for Tom will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Horicon on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM where a rosary serviceContinue Reading

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Dear Virginia - What a beautiful family you have! I am so sorry for your loss - I can tell he was a wonderful husband, father and man - you were/are very blessed to have had him in your life. May Heavenly Father comfort and guide you. With love from an old classmate, Carol

My sincerest and deepest condolences to the entire family. I can only imagine the sadness you are all feeling at this difficult time. I wish I could say something that would lift this burden, or even make sense of it. If there is one thing that will make you miss him a little less, it is that your dad brought four very wonderful children into this world, mentored and parented you to adulthood, and so continues on through each of you ... and now your children. The world needs more people like Tom Murphy and it received four. What a wonderful gift. May God watch over, bless and protect each of you, removing your sadness and anxiety, until each of you are united with him again.

We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to your family. We will sure miss seeing Tom around the neighborhood!

We are so saddened by the loss of Thomas. Our hearts and love go out to all of you. We are sending light and love on to you. Blessings, Jane and Michael Kearney (Andrew''s aunt and uncle)

Kevin & Kari, So sorry for your sudden loss. We hope that you find comfort in the great memories that you have. Doug, Kimber & Cooper Dall

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

God bless and comfort you as you mourn Tom''s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Murphy was my 7th grade teacher and Jr. High Football coach. He was always an inspiration to his students. He had kids at such an awkward age-but always knew how to talk to us and make a positive impression in our lives. My sympathy goes out to the whole Murphy family, especially Carrie. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Nick: How fast time has gone by, it''s been years since our whole gang spent so much time together in high school! Though I hadn''t seen your dad in quite some time... the first thing that came to mind when I heard of his passing was his bright smile! Whether we were all coming or leaving your house, he was always smiling! I know memeories of him will always bring a smile your face as well. I am so sorry for your loss. Give my best to your mom and your entire family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.