Earle William "Bill" Murphy

Earle W. “Bill” Murphy, 59, of Johnson Lake, passed away suddenly Friday, March 20, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. He was born June 7, 1949, at Des Moines, Iowa to Clifford Emil and Edith (Kluver) Murphy. Bill grew up in Benton and Iowa Counties of Iowa until he was a junior in high school, and then moved with his family to Aitken, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school in 1967. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Christine Buehler on June 29, 1970, at Victor, Iowa. Two children were blessed to this marriage, Keith and Tina. Bill and Chris lived in Iowa, Minnesota and Colorado prior to settling at Johnson Lake in 2005. In making the move from Iowa to Colorado, they were involved in Christian Camping Ministry in Estes Park for 6 years. Then they both worked for North Shore Health Care Facility in Loveland for 5 years. The couple purchased their cabin at the lake in 2003. He was a carpenter by trade and owned his own business for 25 years. When they moved to Nebraska Bill started working for Service Master and then moved to maintenance at the Lexington High School. This is where his love and care for kids grew into lasting friendships and they developed a mutual respect for each other. He was able to interact with the students in the halls and during detention, where he challenged and loved them. Many of these young people were the subject of Bill’s constant prayers. He loved God’s word and lived his life walking in Christ’s love. His church and family were his mainstays. He was a faithful member of Lexington Christian Church where he served as Deacon. Bill loved the lake and spent hours planning his next landscaping project dreamt of catching the “big one”. He was the center of his family’s lives and always seemed to know when he was needed for a word of advice or just a comforting smile. Bill was wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and mentor who will be missed very much. Survivors include his wife: Chris Murphy of Johnson Lake, Nebraska One son: Keith Murphy of Lexington, Nebraska One daughter: Tina & Kyia Friesen of Denver, Colorado Four grandchildren: Cambria & Jacob Friesen of Denver and K.J. & Shon Murphy of Lexington. Two brothers: Larry Murphy of Koszta, Iowa Ron Murphy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Three sisters: Marlene Sloan of Victor, Iowa Marvel & Larry Schafbuch of Koszta, Iowa Grace Tatge of Belle Plaine, Iowa Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-Law: Gary & Sandy Buehler of Johnson Lake, Nebraska Cheryl & Art Jones of Plainfield, Illinois Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Laverne. The Family has honored Bill’s wishes that his body be cremated. A Memorial Service will be Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Lexington Christian Church with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah officiating There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and expressions of sympathy many be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.