Michael Allen Murphy Sr.

Michael (Mike) A Murphy Sr, 72, entered eternal life on July 30 with his beloved wife’s hand in his.

Mike was born on August 19, 1953, to Jack and Fay (Sipe) Murphy in Streator, Illinois. Without a doubt, they were there to welcome him home.

He married Phyllis Aldrich-Murphy, the love of his life on May 13, 2016. Together they shared 33 wonderful years. She survives.

Mike was the 5th of 11 children. One can only imagine the laughter and good-natured mischief as he reunited with his parents, Jack and Fay Murphy, his siblings Jack Murphy III, Bobbie Jo “BJ” Murphy, Janet Murphy, Coleen (Rick) Hjerpe, Pat (Irv) Mullen, Kelly Murphy, and Kevin Murphy. He is survived by his siblings Terry (Cheryl) Murphy, Audrey Mullen, and Kim (Gary) Forristall.

He leaves behind a family he loved deeply, including his children Michael (Nicole) Murphy Jr., Christopher Murphy, Keith Murphy, Bernie (Amy) Condron, Christine Condron-Seibert, Beth (Doug) Robertson, and Deena Johnson. He also leaves behind the pieces of his world who had him wrapped around their fingers—his grandchildren Alex Robertson, Michael Condron, Dylan Labuff, Sierra Granados, Ailish Seibert, McKenna Murphy, Demitri Murphy, Kinsley Murphy, Allie Murphy, and 1 great granddaughter, Samantha Labuff. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katie Condron. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends who will miss him dearly.

Mike was a proud member of the Men’s Bowling Association and a lifetime member of the Streator Eagles Club. A lifelong Cubs fan, Mike remained loyal through highs and lows. His support for the Lakers had less to do with basketball and more to do with his favorite color purple. He attended Streator High School and later completed his GED. He proudly enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1971. He spent many years in physical labor positions before retiring after 19 years at Streator Dependable, where he worked as a machinist.

Memory may have failed him in his final years, but don’t let that cloud your memories of who he was. Remember his quick wit, perfectly timed sarcasm, eye roll practical jokes, and, above all, that unmistakable laugh that could fill a room. Those are the memories he would want you to keep.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Winterrowd Funeral Home, where family and friends may gather to share memories on Wednesday from 2 to 5, followed by a tribute celebrating the remarkable story of his life at 5. Family requests wearing Cubs attire or purple in his honor.

Memorials may be directed to Streator Jammin At The Clock in care of Toni Pettit or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.