Michael Murphy

Michael Murphy, 53 of St. Michael, ND died on Friday, September 22, 2006 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for Michael will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Fr. Paul Ruge will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6547. Visitation and Prayer Service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Friday, September 29, 2006 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. The Procession to St. Michael’s Catholic Church will leave from the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Serving as Casket Bearers for Mike will be Duane Jackson Jr., Dave Cavanaugh, Joe Azure, Chad Christianson, Paul Poitra, Paul Lawrence Sr., Shane Christianson and Maynard Short. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Michael’s close family and friends. Michael was born in Longview, Washington on March 15, 1953, the son of the late Lawrence Murphy Sr. and Marie (Murphy) Peltier. Michael attended St. Michael Mission School, Maddock High School and Monticello High School in Longview. In 1970, while living in Longview, Mike enlisted in the United States Army and served as a combat engineer. He was discharged in 1973 and returned to the St. Michael area. He then worked for his Dad’s business as a mechanic for a few years. Mike moved to Miles City, Montana where he worked as a group home trainer, as a carpenter and a construction worker. Mike was also an oil rigg engineer for 30 years and worked in fire fighting and smoke jumping. At the time of his death, Mike was enrolled at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake working towards a career as a computer technician. Mike met and married Terry Kuntz in Jamestown, ND and to that marriage was born a son, Phillip Murphy, Jamestown. Then in 1989, he met Trina Bratner in Wenatchee, Washington. They had a daughter, Miranda Sharlene Murphy. Some of Mike’s favorite pastimes were playing at the casino and learning how to play his guitar. He loved just being around his family and friends and playing with his nieces and nephews that he loved very much. He also loved to play cards with the family on the weekends. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him very much. Mike is survived by his mother, Marie (Murphy) Peltier, St. John, ND Sisters: Agnes (Juan) Avlia of Cashmere, Washington Debbie (Dave) Cavanaugh of St. Michael Blanche Dogskin of Nespluem, Washington Linda Murphy (Bill) of Mills, Wyoming Belinda Murphy of St. Michael Brother: Patrick Murphy (Anita) of Longview Special Companion: Adeline Herald also of St. Michael Uncles: David Paul Baker (Ruthanne) of St. John, ND John Kovatch (Vie) of Cedar, Minnesota Aunts: Marie Peterson of Andover, Minnesota Anna Rose Rivera of Greenville, Michigan Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Murphy Sr.; brothers, Lawrence Murphy Jr. and Ronald Sutter; step-father, Gilbert Peltier Sr.; special nephew, James Patterson; maternal and paternal grandparents and many aunts and uncles. A special thanks to Spirit Lake Ambulance and Mercy Hospital Emergency Room Staff. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com