Donald Murphy

Madison - Donald A. "Murph" Murphy of Madison passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 with his family by his side. Murph was born on May 18, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Patrick and Martha Murphy. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and worked in retail sales for many years at Jewel/Osco and Kmart and was a long-time bartender at Bennett's Meadowood Country Club. Murph enjoyed baseball, football, music, comedy and writing poetry.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Helen, five stepchildren, Greg Holmquest (Tracy), Steve Holmquest (Jill), Micki Meyer (Randy), Gary Holmquest and Brenda Holmquest and 15 grandchildren. He is further survived by six children, Patrick, Elizabeth, Susanne, Michelle, Donovan and Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Cliff, an infant sister and grandson, Garrick Holmquest.

A private service will be held in Indiana.

His quick wit and humor will be missed by his family and all who knew him. A special thanks to all the staff at U.W. Hospital and Clinics and Hospice Care.

I've talked and talked until I'm hoarse,
I've thought and sought to find my course,
To find my destiny I must know now
The where to go, the why it is, the when and how.
Written by Murph