Allan "Mike" Michael Murphy

About Mike

Allan (Mike) Murphy, 80 of Bemidji,MN died on November 9, 2023 at the Cornerstone Residence Memory Care Unit in Bagley, MN. Thank you to each team member at Cornerstone and also Hospice of Red River Valley, for providing such wonderful care to Mike during this time of his life.

Allan Michael Murphy was born to Ann (Kimmes) and Ralph Murphy on June 29, 1943 in Bemidji Minnesota. Mike lived his entire life on the farm where he was raised in Grant Valley Township. He went to school at Carr Lake Elementary until the 9th grade, graduated from Bemidji High School, and later attended Bemidji State University.

Mike worked a variety of jobs over the years including farming, logging, truck driving, construction, equipment maintenance and highway technician. Of all of his jobs, he enjoyed trucking the most and had his own small company for a time.

Working was important to Mike and he enjoyed it. In his later years, he worked as a volunteer at Sanford and the Bemidji food shelf and also became an invasive species inspector during the summer months. While not a formal job, one of the things that Mike did faithfully was participate in AA for over 40 years. He found a true purpose in helping others find their own path to sobriety, and enjoyed leading a group in the Solway area.

Mike was a real people-person who loved to have company. He would welcome you to his home, make sure you had something to eat and drink and then sit down to spend time visiting. To him this meant sharing stories or jokes, playing a card game, and having conversation about whatever was on your mind. He often visited people that were sick or who had no way to get out and about, bringing them food or treats, running errands, and providing much needed compassion and companionship.

Mike loved dogs and his two recent dogs, Murphy and Charlie, were especially special and loved. He had a true passion for horses, reading, traveling and history.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and found comfort and hope in his faith.

Mike was married to his high school sweetheart, Gloria (Hemp) Murphy for over 62 years until she passed earlier this year.

He is survived by his children: Anthony (DeAnna) Murphy, Christine (Thomas) Johnson, Brice Murphy, Suzanne (Timothy) O’Brien, Jennifer (Tom Andree) Murphy; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, sons Sean and Rory, sister Myrna Mrazek and his parents.

memorial service

Funeral Service for Mike

November 13, 2023

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3033 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home