Obituaries

Robert S. Murphy Robert S. Murphy, age 88 of Spring Green, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Sauk Prairie Healthcare in Prairie Du Sac, surrounded by his loving wife and five devoted children. Robert, better known as “Bob”, was born in Arena on April 18, 1936. He was son of the late Earl and Gladys (Stebnitz) Murphy and one of 12 children who grew up farming in the hills of Arena. The Murphy’s were and continue to be a tight knit clan who cherish their time together – family was always first in all aspects for Bob. After graduating from high school in 1954, Bob joined the Army stationed in New York and playing for the Army baseball team.  Bob then returned home to attended University of Wisconsin – Platteville. There he received his civil engineering degree, but more importantly met the love of his life Donna. Bob and Donna married in 1960 and moved to Waukesha, where he worked for the state. His time in Waukesha is filled with many wonderful memories including the birth of his five children and spending time with friends and families from the area. Over time Bob longed to be closer to his roots and accepted a position at Edward Kraemer & Sons to “get back home.” He was also able to take over the reins of the Murphy family farm from his mother on Ray Hollow Road and moved his family there. The farm was Bob’s ‘happy place,’ spending countless hours as caretaker of the property. He especially loved hosting family reunions and loading his grandchildren onto the “Shamrock Express” wagon for a ride up to the ridge and the large Celtic cross he built. After 32 wonderful farm years, Bob and Donna made the tough decision to downsize and move to Spring Green. Bob’s career as a civil engineer excelled over 30 years at Kraemer’s. He eventually helped create and lead Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc. He also spent many hours in various leadership roles with the Arena Township. Bob loved all aspects of sports. He was a talented athlete playing basketball, baseball, and football at Arena High and UW-Platteville. In his later years s  he enjoyed softball, golf, and, probably his favorite game, playing HORSE with his boys. Bob’s many passions included playing cards, country music, hunting, woodworking, archiving interesting historical facts about Arena and his genealogy, and looking for hidden treasures with his trusty metal detector. He was also deeply connected to his Irish roots and made several trips to Ireland. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring wife of 64 years Donna Murphy; children, Chris (Teryl), Dan, Joe (Virginia), Kevin (Sarah), and Jennifer; his 14 grandchildren, Courtney, Jordan, Calley, Jacob, Corin, Max, Maddy, Chloe, Hannah, Abel, Lauren, Sylvie, Harlan, and Jonah; two great-grandchildren, Jake and Lynn; and loving siblings Francis, Earl (Marie), Glady, Janet and Patricia (Merle). Visitation was held on Saturday, January 25, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Plain, followed by a Funeral Mass. A luncheon after Mass was held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Spring Green followed by a celebration of life at Wisconsin Riverside. A burial service will take place at St. John the Baptist Mill Creek Church and St. Barnabas Catholic Cemetery at a later date with time and date to be determined. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com  The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.