Frank Murphy

Francis Kohler Murphy, Frank to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on September 28, 1935, to Frank and Elizabeth (Kohler) Murphy, Frank's life was marked by dedication, a warm sense of humor, and a profound love for his family. His identity as a Catholic followed him throughout his life by attending Catholic schools, being an altar server, a Catechism teacher, a Eucharistic Minister, weekend retreats, prayers to Mary, & the Divine Heart of Jesus, three angels, and making 15,800 rosaries that were sent worldwide.

Frank's early years were shaped by his education at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids, followed by St. Francis in Traverse City. He carried on his academic pursuits at Michigan State University, setting the stage for a successful career as an adjuster at Hawkey Insurance and later as a claims manager at Amerisure, both in Grand Rapids. Before embarking on his career, Frank proudly served his country as a Radar Man in the United States Navy. Frank often reminisced about his navy days.

Frank's zest for life was evident in his many hobbies and interests. From his boyhood days working on the family cherry farm in Suttons Bay to his exceptional woodworking skills, Frank was always creating and learning. His handcrafted ducks, puppets, totem poles, and more were not just objects but reflections of his artistry and care. His talent extended to volunteering with the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge, where he contributed to the annual Pow Wow at Riverside Park.

An avid card player, Frank cherished the times spent with the St. Jude Senior Card players and the many card and game nights with couples over the years. He was also an Indian guides leader, a youth sports coach, and a builder of cherished family memories. The cottage he built with his cousin, Ben, in Roscommon, Michigan, became a haven for summer gatherings and the much-anticipated Guys Weekend every September.

Family was the cornerstone of Frank's life. He was a dedicated father to Ann, Peter, Mary, Paul Murphy (Sue Klein), and Tom (Angela) Murphy. His love multiplied as he became a grandfather to Amanda (Steve Carlson), Abigail (Patrick Curtis), Anthony, Annalise (Cozmin Boboc), and Alaina (Jacob VanderVeen), TJ Murphy and Jensen Murphy. His legacy continued with his great-grandchildren, Isaac, Levi, Mia, Xander, Leland, Oliver, and Vada, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Frank's siblings and extended family were integral to his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Johnson) Murphy; his parents, Frank and Elizabeth (Kohler) Murphy; his in-laws, Walter and Muriel Johnson; his brother, Bernard Murphy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Diane Johnson; and sisters-in-laws Tuttie Boehnlein, Frances & Jeanne Johnson. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Virginia (Murphy) and Don Oleson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gunnard and Anne Johnson, and Raymond and Judy Johnson; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Frank's sense of humor, gentle and quick, will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him. He was the life of every family birthday, always ready with ice cream and toppings to celebrate his loved ones. His homemade candies, including turtles, chocolate-covered cherries, sea foam, and caramel corn, were legendary and emblematic of his sweet nature.

The funeral will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:00 am, with a visitation one hour prior. A luncheon in the Brophy Center will follow the mass. It was Frank’s request that, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, North, at St. Ann’s Home or to the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge of Grand Rapids, MI.

Our family would like to give thanks to St. Ann Home Staff and community and the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus for their love, prayers, care and support.