John Vernon Murphy

life story

A loving husband, father and Bapa

John always said, "Life is a crapshoot, and you never know what the next day will bring."

About John

John was preceded in death by his mother, Doris, his father John (Jack) Murphy, and his sister, Jean Kulander (Richard).

He was the beloved husband of Cheryl for 57 years, and father to Patrick Murphy (Sylvia), grandfather to Carson and Kaylie, as well as two nieces and 2 nephews, and his loving dog, Gracie. He is also survived by sister, Mary Gustafson (Dean), and sister-in-law, Deb Skwarek (Dave).

John spent most of his younger summer days playing baseball with his friends in South Minneapolis. One of the highlights of his life was when his team played at Parade Stadium under the lights for a championship game.

John and Cheryl met while he was on leave from the United States Army and then he was sent to Germany for 14 months. He was a cook in the Army, but didn't cook much at home as he said "he could only cook for 500 people." They corresponded during that 14 months and when he came home, he and Cheryl married in 1968. The rest is history.

John always loved music ever since he was a kid. He would spend his lunch money buying 45 rpm records, as he knew the lunch nuns at St. Albert the Great School would give him as many peanut butter and honey sandwiches as he wanted after lunch time was over.

His love of music continued throughout his lifetime and he was a true Elvis Presley fan, but listened to all different genres of music. He was also a baseball card collector and passed that hobby on to Patrick. On the first Saturday of the month they would drive to Apache Plaza to attend the Baseball card shows.

John had a great love for motorcycles and enjoyed riding throughout his lifetime, and it was a sad day when he had to give up riding two years ago.

John will be remember for his quick wit, his sense of humor and his unmistakable laugh. He took early retirement from Excel Energy so he could spend time with Carson and Kaylie.

We are all grateful to have been graced by his presence in this life, and will grieve this loss, and honor his legacy for our lifetime to come.

He will be buried with military honors at Fort Snelling Cemetery November 13, 2025.