Michael Murphy

Michael Jan Murphy, age 77, of Payson, IL, formerly of Kinderhook, IL, passed away on September 28, 2023.  He was born on April 7, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan.  He was the son of Lowell Murphy and Eva Gallaher VanOrder Murphy. Michael married Ilah ‘Mardi’ Miller on January 22, 1965, in Pleasant Hill, IL and she survives.

 Michael was a sales engineer, covering central Illinois and southeast Iowa for Bornquist Sandberg of East Moline, Illinois.  He was formerly employed as a manager at the age of 19 with Tractor Supply Company Industries and was a top salesman at the E Best Company, both of Quincy, Il.  He was HVAC Certified Technician, EPA Clean Air Section 608. 

Michael was a devoted husband and father, a believer in Jesus Christ, and an active member and leader in the church.  He served on the Kinderhook Village Board, the Kinderhook Volunteer Fire Department, and on various church and community boards and committees.  He loved music, sang in the church and surrounded his life with music.  Michael was a talented carpenter, plumber, electrician, and enjoyed remodeling, building and designing many projects over the years.  He was very proud of his family, and he will be dearly missed. 

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mardi; three sons, Michael Todd Murphy (Melissa) of Hannibal, MO, Chris Murphy (Yvette) of Payson, Il, and Miles Murphy (Ruchelle) of Crown Point, IN; granddaughters, Aby Miller (Nathan) and Kaity Murphy (Dannie); grandsons, Gage Murphy, Jacob Murphy, Dustin Klingele, and Duane Klingele (Bethany); great grandchildren Zayden Murphy, Zaiah Klingele, Demetrius Klingele, and Melani Murphy; great grand dog, Amara; also numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Eva Murphy; maternal grandparents, Anna Sparks and Leon Petty; paternal grandparents Glen and Hazel Murphy; one brother Richard VanOrder; one sister, Deloris Scranton. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 3, 2023, at 3:00 PM the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL.  Visitation will be from 2:00PM – 3:00PM prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Kinderhook Cemetery, Kinderhook, IL following the service.  Memorials are suggested to be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Chapel.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

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