Tom Murphy

Thomas J. Murphy, 59, peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Tennessee with a daughter holding each of his hands and in the comforting presence of his faith. Tom passed away following complications from a serious motorcycle accident that occurred on April 26th, 2024. Tom had a deep love for motorcycling, which was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was born on September 11, 1964 in Elgin, North Dakota, the son of Rev. John and Rita Murphy. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran in Elgin, ND and confirmed at Mount Olive Lutheran in Appleton, WI. Tom worked at Sentry Insurance and then at MPPL Financial for many years as a Certified Financial Planner. Tom started working at the Appleton Harley Davidson on his most recent birthday, a dream he had for some time. 

Tom was a lifelong Lutheran who dedicated his life to his faith, family, and community. He was an active member of the Core (Appleton) and previously Mount Olive (Appleton), Trinity Lutheran Church (Wausau) and Christ Lutheran Church (Wausau) where he served faithfully contributing to various church activities including teaching Sunday school. 

Tom is survived by two daughters, Brianna (Peter) Lucht of Oak Creek and Karissa Murphy of Madison; his siblings, Cindy (John) Kehl of Appleton, Jean (Kenneth) Neumann of Colorado, Mark (Jodi) Murphy of Jackson, and John (Rhonda) Murphy of DePere; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. His love for his family was boundless, he took great joy in their accomplishments and happiness. Tom valued time spent with his family and friends, especially during holidays, school activities, camping, and sporting events. 

Tom was known as “Mountain Man” by family and friends. This nickname was created on a family trip with his daughters, parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews to Colorado in 2004. His joy and sense of adventure during that trip made the nickname stick. His sense of adventure during his life was evident by his joy of camping, motorcycling, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, sky diving, traveling, making maple syrup, and hiking a 14er in Colorado. Tom was known for his sense of humor and friendliness. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law: Mark Van Zummeren. 

Tom’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the caring staff at University of Tennessee Medical Center and Select Specialty Hospital. They would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the pastors at the CORE (Appleton) and Shepherd of the Hills (Knoxville) for their visits and prayers on his behalf.

The Christian Funeral Service for Tom will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, at THE CORE, located at 820 W. College Avenue in Appleton, with Pastor Michael Ewart officiating.  Visitation will be held at The Core on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  Tom will be placed at rest at Community Lutheran Cemetery in North Appleton. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8       “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

 John 14:1-3      “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Memorial contributions may be made to The CORE or St. Peter Lutheran School.