Michael L. Murphy

Michael Leo Murphy, age 88, of Zurich, passed away on January 27, 2024, at Redbud Village in Plainville.

He was born June 16, 1935, to James and Mary Murphy in West Lake Hospital, Melrose Park, Illinois. He was raised on the family farm. He attended a one-room school and then graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Odell, Illinois. He served in the Army for two years. While in the Army, he met Phyllis Gottschalk in Schoenchen, Kansas, and later in Colorado. They married on April 23, 1960, in Schoenchen. Upon moving to Kansas, Mike worked in the oilfield and then Sutor Hereford Farm for over 50 years. 

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Vicki (Tony) Balthazor, Palco, Connie Lieber, Osage City, and Lori (Doug) Knipp, Damar; brother Patrick Murphy, Pontiac, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepdad, Leo Murphy; infant son, Kevin; brothers, James Murphy and William Murphy; a sister, Frances Murphy; and son-in-law, David Lieber. 

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a parish vigil service beginning at 7:00 pm at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:00 am at St Anthony Catholic Church - Schoenchen. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.

Memorials are to be used at the family's discretion at a later date.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Michael's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com