Francis “Frank” Murphy passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at his home in Allegan, Michigan.

Frank was the oldest of five children born to Chuck and Rose Murphy in Detroit, MI on February 22, 1943. Sharing stories of his ‘illicit’ work on the milk trucks and cruising Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Frank had a compelling upbringing. In his early twenties, like many young men of the time, Frank was drafted into the Army and fought in the Vietnam War for several years until an injury brought him home. His sacrifice earned him a Purple Heart. Although the war postponed his plans, Frank persevered and continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University and a Master of Business from Central Michigan University. Early in his career, it was obvious that he was gifted at building relationships and networking partnerships.

After working several years in marketing, Frank met and married his first wife, Julie, and soon after was blessed with a son. They moved to St. Louis for several years and then back to Michigan, adding two daughters to the family within those five years. Unfortunately, Julie died of cancer soon after the birth of their youngest child, and Frank was left to single handedly care for their three young children. Although this was not the plan he had in mind, Frank was led by his resilience and determination. His career allowed him to travel to many places where he learned to love and respect all cultures of life and formed close relationships with friends and colleagues from all over the world. He fortified his home with passion and love and worked hard to provide for his three children. In 1989, Frank married his second wife, Carolyn, whom he loved dearly.

Never scared to take on new opportunities, everyone who knew Frank recognized him as a man of integrity and humility. Apart from his devotion and love for his family, Frank had many hobbies over the years, but perhaps his favorite hobbies were a love of music, drinking wine, fishing, and gardening. Especially once he retired, one could be sure to find him doing at least one of these past times. Many of us were lucky enough to listen to a beautiful song with him, uncork and share a glass or two of wine with him, cast our line into the sunrise with him, or be gifted a plant from his garden. So as we say farewell to an amazing man, remember that he is not wholly gone. He is simply out fishing with the Master of the sea, catching the big ones because from now on, ‘the big one’ will never get away.

Frank is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three children, Neil, Amie, and Emily; sons in-law, Matt and Cortney; four grandchildren, Julianna, Benjamin, Ayden, and William; and sister, Anne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49024. Fr. Ben Huynh celebrant. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the mass at the church on Friday. He will be laid to rest at South Portage Cemetery next to his first wife, Julie. Memorial contributions may be given to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.