MURPHY, Robert "Bob" Joseph 1938-2010
MURPHY, HOOD
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 8/26/2010 at 16:07:29
[Waterloo Courier, Thursday, April 22, 2010]
CEDAR FALLS — Robert "Bob" Joseph Murphy, community leader, businessman and friend of Cedar Falls, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at the age of 70. He died at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, of complications from pneumonia.
He was born July 1, 1939, on a family farm in Fonda. His parents were William and Helen Murphy.
Bob attended country school and Our Lady of Good Council Catholic School, Fonda. He actively participated in 4-H, athletics, farming and loved riding horses.
On Sept. 30, 1961, he married Mary Ellen Hood in Manson.
Bob attended Iowa State University, majored in ag business, and was a member of Adelante Fraternity.
His first job was with Rath Feed Company, and through his early years advanced into management, running all sales and marketing. An entrepreneur at heart, he purchased Geerlings Feed Mill and operated it until he was hired by Land 'O Lakes as their poultry specialist.
Bob had a passion for people and channeled that trait by being involved in many community organizations. Some of those include: Knights of Columbus, City of Cedar Falls Planning and Zoning Commission, City Councilman, Special Olympics, and Black Hawk County Foster Care Review Board.
He had many interests in life. He always put faith, family and friends first. But beyond that, he was an avid reader, loved to travel, played golf, loved cards, Ping-Pong and the fall harvest.
Bob felt honored when he was elected Iowa Knights of Columbus State Deputy, and was later appointed Iowa Master of the 4th degree. He also served the residents of the city of Cedar Falls for 20 years on both the planning and zoning commission and the city council.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 11 years ago. Through his suffering he always demonstrated perseverance with a positive attitude. His faith, forgiveness, caring and compassion was evident in his daily life and he touched the lives of many people.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen, of 48 years; his children, Mike (Chris), Michelle (Scott) and Melinda (Jeff); six grandchildren, Lauren, Brandon, Chase, Cayden, Dayna and Drew; and brothers, Jim (Sharon) and Don (Linda).
Funeral services will be at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Falls, on Saturday, April 24, at 11 a.m. Father Eve Hemann will officiate. Co-celebrants will be Father Ed Tiedeman and Father James Starbuck. A funeral dinner will be served immediately following.
Visitation will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Friday, April 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Knights of Columbus will lead the rosary at 6:30 p.m. with a vigil following at 7 p.m.
Richardson Funeral Home, 615 Main St., Cedar Falls, is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call 266-3525.
Memorial donations are suggested to the National Parkinson's Foundation.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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