Frank William Murphy Jr., of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, August 11th, 2015 at the age of 58. He was born August 22, 1956 in Melbourne, Florida, to the late Frank and Margaret (Broadway) Murphy. On July 14, 1984, he and Becky Jarvis were united in marriage in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin.
Frank was a proud member of the Merrill community. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1974 and went on to serve his country in the US Marine Corps from 1976–1980. Frank attended college at UW Eau Claire and graduated from UW Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Frank ran for Wisconsin State Assembly in 1982, losing by one of the narrowest margins in state history. For the past 30 years, he has worked in almost every department at Fred Mueller Automotive, starting as a car salesman and moving into many areas of management. Frank stood out for his years of hard work and commitment to the business and to his co-workers. Frank also owned Murphy’s Mini Mart in Merrill for 6 years. He was recognized throughout the community for his caring nature, his quick wit, and his pride in his family. In addition, Frank was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Merrill Bluejays, as well as playing baseball. Frank was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
Frank is survived by his wife of 31 years: Rebekah “Becky” Murphy, Merrill; their children whom he adored: Megan, Shannon, and Joseph, and their children’s partners Matthew McCarty, Luis de Zengotita, and Kristin Rector; his sisters: Valerie (Dan) Nicholson and Judi Johnson, both of Merrill; his mother-in-law: Jean Jarvis, of Wautoma; his brother and sister-in-law: Jeff and Amy Jarvis; his nieces and nephews: Mark (Diana) Nicholson, Keith (Janet) Nicholson, Scott Nicholson, Heather (Brett) Swider, Ryan Guthrie, Stacey Anick, Jennifer (Mark) Peterson, Nick (Bethany) Jarvis, and Josh Jarvis; his great nieces and nephews: Holly, Jake, Levi, Alysa, Cody, Amber, Zachary, Konnor, Ethan, Callum, Ina, McKenna, Eric, and Faith; and numerous relatives, friends, and co-workers whom he treasured. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Murphy; his brother-in-law, Charles “Bubs” Johnson; and his father-in-law, Donald Jarvis.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Frank’s life and the years we shared with him will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Rev. Dennis R. Creswell will officiate. Visitation will be from 4–8 PM Saturday, August 15 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 12 noon until the time of service at the church on Sunday. Military honors and picnic lunch to follow at Athletic Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Never Forgotten Honor Flight (PO Box 5056, Wausau, WI 54402, www.neverforgottenhonorflight.org) or Merrill High School Athletics (1201 North Sales Street, Merrill, WI 54452). Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.