Audrey Mae Luebke Murphy, 90, of Appleton, WI, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Audrey was born in Appleton on October 22, 1935, to the late Erwin (Erv) Luebke and Viola (Mueller) Luebke. She graduated from Appleton High School (West) in 1953 and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1989. She met the love of her life, James E. (Jim) Murphy, through their mutual work in the Appleton School District. They shared 43 years of marriage until his passing in 2000.

Audrey’s life was rooted in faith, family, friendship, nature, and a love for the Green Bay Packers. She carried a generous spirit, a nurturing heart, and an extremely quick wit. As the heart of her family, she was the magic behind all of the holidays, and she created a home where love was constant, laughter was easy, and everyone was welcome.

Audrey found joy in the quiet beauty of nature, mainly lakes and woods. Those places became the backdrop for a lifetime of cherished memories. From her childhood days on Pelican Lake (Oneida County) to the cottages she later owned on Lake Irogami (Wautoma), Star Lake (Lakewood), Little Lake Butte des Morts (Menasha), and Lake Noquebay (Crivitz), she gathered family and friends for simple, meaningful pleasures: long days of swimming and fishing, boating, tubing and skiing, evenings by the fire, and s’mores under summer skies. The stories shared, meals enjoyed, and laughter echoing across generations remain treasures held close to the hearts of those who loved her.

Audrey devoted much of her professional life to serving others, especially those with special needs. She began at Highlands Elementary School, working with students on the autism spectrum, and later served as a case manager for adults with developmental disabilities at Valley Packaging and at Waushara Industries in Wautoma, WI. In every role, she was known for her compassion, dedication, attention to detail, and remarkable ability to teach the practical and personal skills that helped others thrive.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Tim, Mary, and Patti Murphy (Ed Pociask); her grandchildren Brent (Ashley), Brian (Wendie), Chris (Melissa), Ian (Jaelynn), Shane, Tess (Ethan), Blair, Anna, Geoff (Christine), and Kristy (Jermal); her great-grandchildren Madelyn, Jordan, Tucker and Cooper, also her dear in-laws, Tom and Kathy Murphy. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Gerry (Luebke) Kirkeide; other family members: Roger and Cindy Kirkeide, Sue (Kirkeide) Rosenthal, Russ, Catherine, and Rita (Wicke) Murphy, Ken, Alice, and Danny Murphy, and Don and Marian Murphy Devine, also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A private family interment and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In honor of Audrey’s life, and her love of nature, devotion to family and friends, compassion for others, and faith, please remember her in whatever way is meaningful to you: that might be in time spent outdoors, in gathering with loved ones, in acts of kindness, in prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Any manner in which you pay tribute would be beautiful.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to The Heritage, Interim, and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care.