William M. Murphy

MURPHY, William “Bill” M.
South Haven
Age 85, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 14, 1937, the son of the late Michael and Mattie (McFarland) Murphy. The second of five children, he attended St. Mary’s of the Lake Elementary, graduating from St. Joseph’s School in New Hampton, Iowa. He then returned to the Northside of Chicago where he was accepted at Lane Tech College Preparatory High School. Bill later attended DePaul University, a member of Alpha Delta Gamma and graduated in 1959 with a B.A. in Psychology. Over the next two years, Bill served his country honorably in the United States Navy Reserves as a Medical Corpsman in Illinois and Maine. The first three years of his professional career were spent in Chicago as an Employment Interviewer. He then relocated to Lansing, Michigan, spending his career in Vocational and Career Placement for the State of Michigan and Ingham County School District. Bill was exceptional at his job and responsible for helping students find the right career path for their skills and setting them up for a lifetime of success.

Bill met his wife Millie in Lansing, they were married and welcomed their only child, Nick in 1966. Bill was an active father and the family enjoyed travel, bicycling, exploring the outdoors, baseball and camping. A Michigan State Spartan at heart, Bill continued his education with a Master’s in Counseling & Guidance in 1969 and enjoyed attending sporting events and continuing education throughout his life. At MSU, Bill went on to the near completion of his PhD all while working full time. His son Nick and wife, Debbie, welcomed their son, Peter, in 1996 and Bill enjoyed visiting them often and following Peter’s activities.

He was an avid reader, loved classic cars, fixing anything mechanical, especially bicycles and was always meticulous in his work. Bill loved the Spanish language and was nearly fluent. He was well-traveled and enjoyed cruises, many with his three sisters who lived far apart, but would reconnect on these occasions. Always active, Bill enjoyed ping pong, pickleball and exercising into his early 80’s.

In 2013, Bill met Sue at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Englewood, FL and reconnected in Michigan a few months later. They enjoyed socializing, travel, and sunsets in South Haven, where Bill relocated in 2019 until his death. Bill was so happy to be back near Lake Michigan, life truly coming full circle. Bill was kind, hard-working and witty, he will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank: Sue Schlaack, who provided incredible care for Bill, the dedicated staff of Centrica Care Navigators Hospice and many loving caregivers who assisted him. As well as the clergy and parishioners of St. Basil’s Parish for their support and prayers.

Bill is survived by his son, Nicholas (Deborah) Murphy; grandson, Peter (Sarah) Murphy; sisters, Muriel “Murphy” (Wayne) Robins, Eileen Hood and Patricia Drew; brother, Michael Murphy; long-time friend and companion, Sue Youker-Schlaack and her daughter, Ronda (Toby) Lichtensteiger; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred “Mille” (Darmogray) Murphy and sister in-law, Kathleen Murphy.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. Basil Catholic Church, 513 Monroe Blvd., South Haven, MI 49090. Fr. Robert Flickinger celebrant. A time of visitation will be held at the church on the day of the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Interment will be at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery at a later date in New Hampton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be given to St. Basil Catholic School of South Haven or H.O.P.E Parent Resource Center in South Haven.