William Murphy

William F. Murphy, 95, of Machesney Park, on September 3, 2018, surrounded by his family in the living room of his home, took his last breath on earth and returned to heaven. The youngest of six children, he was born in his parents’ home in Artesian, South Dakota, on January 17, 1923, to James Henry and Olive (Pickett) Murphy. His elementary education was in a one-room, rural, country school. He graduated from Artesian High School in 1941, and followed his sisters to Rockford, Illinois. He worked for J.L. Clark Manufacturing Co. before enlisting in the Marine Corps at 19. His basic training was at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego with the 2nd Marine Division. He served as a rifleman in the 1st battalion 8th Marines Charlie Company during World War II. His first landing was on Tarawa which is still remembered in the history of the Marine Corps as some of the fiercest fighting ever faced by the Marines. He went on to make five other landings in the South Pacific, was wounded on Tinian, and came ashore in Nagasaki, Japan, with the first troops to land after the war ended. By the grace of God he survived the war and returned to Rockford. One Saturday evening in 1947, he met Lois Campbell at the Unique in Rockford, danced with her, and fell in love. They were married on August 14, 1948, at St. Bridget Church by Father Raymond P. Gordon. He returned to J.L. Clark Manufacturing Co. and worked there for 38 years before retiring in 1986. He loved to hunt and fish, play golf, garden, and most of all, spend time with his family. Bill and Lois celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a special mass at St. Bridget officiated by their grandson, Father Colin Easton. Bill was a loyal member of St. Bridget and served the parish in many capacities through the years. His wife, Lois, their four children - Teresa (Ferd) Mossberg, Michael (Loraine) Murphy, Timothy (Judy) Murphy, and Amy (Michael) Easton - miss him dearly as do his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Bill’s joy and love were infectious. He survived the hell of war to bring back to all who knew him a reminder of God’s love for each of us.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday, September 10, in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the church. Burial in Poplar Grove Cemetery. Visitation also from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 9, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with Rosary recited at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please have a mass said in his name.