Donald R. Murphy

Donald R. Murphy, 93, of Walthill, NE, died on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Donald will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Walthill.  The visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  The committal service at Evergreen Cemetery will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.  Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender is in charge of the arrangements.

Don was born on August 10, 1929, in Rural Rosalie, the son of Edward and Henrietta (Mitchell) Murphy.  Following his graduation from Walthill High School, Don farmed.  He was united in marriage on August 10, 1990, at St. Joseph Catholic Church to Rita (Anderson) English.  The couple lived in Walthill.  Don enjoyed farming until his retirement in 1995.  Following his retirement, he continued to work with Cooney Fertilizer.  He was a devoted member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was a Trustee, served on the Evergreen Cemetery Board, enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and having coffee with his friends.  Due to his failing health, Don entered Heritage of Emerson in 2020. 

He is survived by his wife, Rita Murphy of Walthill; step-sons, Mark (Tara) English of Walthill, NE, and Toby (Sara) English of Shawnee, KS; step-daughter-in-law, Keri English of Manhattan, IL; grandchildren, Eve, Alison, Emelie, Anna, Amber, Evan, and Adyson English.  He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Alan English; brothers, Bernard, Clarence, Wilbur, and Glenn Murphy; and a sister, Mildred Murphy Shoop.