Joseph Francis Murphy, born December 20, 1939, passed away on March 18, 2020. Joe was a loving husband and father to his family for almost 57 years. He attended St. Stephen’s School and Catholic Central High School, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He joined the United States Navy in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1961. He married Charmaine on October 5, 1963, and his son, Michael, was born August 7, 1972. Joe had a strong work ethic and believed deeply in the dignity and rights of workers. He built swimming pools with his father-in-law, Bernard Zigler. He also participated in the family business of building windmills and crafting Kissing Dutch Dolls. As a truck driver, he worked for many companies., including IGA, Kroger, and Parker Motor Freight. He maintained 34 years of membership in the Teamsters Union and served as a Union Steward and Executive Board Trustee for Local 406. Joe enjoyed watching cable news, cooking, caring for his 20 acres of land, maintaining his beautiful swimming pool, and trying his luck at Gun Lake Casino!
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charmaine Murphy; son, Michael S. Murphy; sisters, Patricia Murphy, Mary Tanis and her daughter, Cathy Johnson and her children, Randi and Brian Johnson, Randi Johnson’s son, Ruger Johnson; brother, Frederick (Maureen) Murphy; sister-in-law, Vivien Murphy and her daughter, Barbara (Shawn Blough); nephew, Dennis Murphy; niece, Tammy Phillips and her three children, Brandon, Ashley and Jamie; great-niece, Orianna Emery. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Murphy; mother, Alice Murphy; brothers, Thomas Murphy, James Murphy and his wife Roberta, George Murphy, Paul Murphy and his daughter Christine Murphy, and brother-in-law, Ron Tanis. Joe will be greatly missed by all of us. Under current circumstances, Joe’s family has postponed a celebration of life service to be held at a later date.
15 Responses
I am so sorry for your loss. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Joe will be missed by his family and many, many friends.
I’m sorry to hear that your husband has gone on before, Char. I knowvhow hard loss is. For you I will pray you are truly helped and comforted.
Love, Mary M. Daling
Praying for the family at this time of loss. We will see him again soon by the mercy, grace, and favor of God through Christ Jesus, the Lord and Savior to all who believe and trust in Him. God bless and be with all of you!
So sorry for your loss, Char. Hugs and prayers to you and Mike.
Char, I was sad to hear of your loss. May you live with the wonderful memories of the many years you shared and the children you two brought into this world. Jeff and I hope you will be surrounded with the love and support of many friends and family.
Joe was a great brother-in-law and great husband to my sister Char and father to their son Mike. He is missed greatly by his family and everyone that knew him. He was a strong, decent family man. Char and Mike, please know that you have all of your family and many, many friends that love you and are here to help you in any way that we can.
Our warmest respect and love to your family. Your friends around the planet agree and embrace you with strengthening Encouragement, looking forward to the next beautiful new home he builds doing Karaoke in the sky! I can only imagine the house warming party! We Love you So much Char, Pam & Dave in the Thumb
Char, my deepest sympathies for you and for Mike at this time and may God bless you and give you His Shalome..His peace
Char and family, we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and Prayers.
Bob and Peggy Lapsley
Joe was a wonderful brother-in-law and a great husband and father. Joe will be missed by all who knew him. Joe was a hard-working caring family man. Char and Mike, know that you have family and friends that want to help however they can.
Dear Char, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Love, Julie
Char, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Karen Chilman
So sorry to hear of joes passing. its been nearly 19 years since we have talked. but i certainly never wanted pain for you.
Sorry I wrote you before but apparently you did not get it I am sorry to hear about joe. I know it’s been a few years but still. If you see this you should go on your Facebook I sent you a picture of your grandson. He is 22 now.