Obituary
Jeffrey Thomas Murphy
Jeffrey Thomas Murphy, 58, died Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 at Brookdale of La Crosse after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jeff was born on February 16th, 1960, in La Crosse, WI, one of eight children to Patrick and Patricia (Larkin) Murphy. He was a 1978 graduate of La Crosse Aquinas High School and later went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Jeff spent the last twenty years as an Independent Contract Driver for Dunham Express, Corporate Courier and Capital Express in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
“Duff” was a loving son, loyal brother, and very proud uncle and great uncle. Family and countless friends expressed their gratitude for his kind giving ways during their final visits. He had a dry sense of humor and his one-liners had us laughing even on his last days. He was often quietly listening but when he had an opinion, his booming voice would take command of a room. His love of dogs was evident by the ever-present treat in his pocket. He was a man of deep faith which he relied on during his illness. His kind, gentle soul will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jeff is survived by his siblings, Kathy (Joseph) Rademacher of Tucson, AZ, Tim (Myrna) Murphy of Sarasota, FL, Sheila (Michael) Durand of La Crosse, Ellen Murphy of Chicago, Sue (Doug) Bartel of Woodbury, MN, Mary Pat (Jon) Nydahl of Chaska, MN, and Jane (Mundy Hebert) Murphy of Austin, TX; nieces and nephews, Sara (Kyle) Sucher, Kyle (Emily) Murphy, Jenna (Patrick) Johnston, Megan (Dave) Drohomyreckyj, Tom Durand, Erin, Kelly and Evan Nydahl, and Ava Bartel; great-nieces and nephews, Connor, Morgan and Noelle Johnston, Kyle and Callahan Murphy, Lee Drohomyreckyj, Brendan, Everly and Savannah Sucher, his Uncle Tom Murphy of Wausau, WI and many special cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; his father, Patrick; and his niece and godchild, Michelle Jean Durand.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 3, at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. The Rev. Brian Konopa will officiate, with internment immediately following Mass at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire Brookdale staff, Gunderson Hospice and a special cousin Sister Kate O’Neill for their exceptional care of Jeff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Aquinas Patricia M. Murphy Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Gunderson Foundation or a personal fund of your choice are requested.
We are very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed. Jeff has often been on our minds these past few months of his illness. We are content he is in a better place. Now at eternal rest and forever in our hearts may the Lord bless him and keep him
Jeff was a dear and cherished friend who truly gave more than he could ever take in a friendship. He gave all of himself in friendship and showed me what a friend truly is. I hope to get to Heaven to continue our friendship.
Sheila, so sorry. Love Mary
You are on our minds, prayers and in our hearts. Sending our love and support to your family.
Mary Pat, Jon, and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Brother Jeffrey.
Loosing my Father earlier this year left a huge hole in our heart which I am sure you and your entire family are experiencing at this time.
Our prayers of comfort and serenity are offered to you and your family.
Tony Kantar and Elizabeth Santiago
My prayers and sincerest sympathy go out for the Murphy family. I’m not sure where to begin when talking about Murph. He was a terrific and loyal friend to me while we were growing up in La Crosse, and we had a crazy amount of fun together. Throughout the cringe-worthy moments of youth, and God knows I had more than my share, Murph could make me laugh and put things in perspective. He always saw the best in people and the humor in situations, even when we were kids, a time of life when those traits don’t come naturally to most of us. But Murph’s heart was that good. I know it was throughout his whole life. Thanks for everything, Murph. My life has been so much better for having you as a friend.
We are very sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. For two years we saw him every weekday as he delivered our pharmacy orders, and a nicer guy we will never meet. We thought of him often over the past months and hoped for the best. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.