Dean Philip Murphy

Dean P. Murphy

September 27, 1931-October 30, 2021

Dean P. Murphy passed away October 30, 2021, at the age of 90. He was born in LaCrosse Wisconsin, September 27, 1931, the eldest child of the late Philip and Lavanche (Bartlett) Murphy.

Dean graduated from Aquinus High School and UW LaCrosse. On May 9, 1953, he married Mary Muth in LaCrosse. They met in the cello section of the LaCrosse Symphony. Together they raised four daughters. They settled in Racine in 1960 where Dean was an elementary music teacher in RUSD. He was also a string instrument repairman for many years. Dean marched with the Boys of 76 drum and bugle corp., directed church choirs at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was a director of Kiwanis Youth Symphonette for many years. His life revolved around music inspiring hundreds of children to love and appreciate music. Living on Main St., the 4th of July parade was always a special event for family and friends.

In addition to his parent’s, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary on November 18, 2011. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Daniel) Drew, Catherine Ackley, Colleen Murphy and Deanne (Paul) Oberst; 11 grandchildren: Joshua Drew, Alissa Drew, Tricia (Philip) Milbrath, Jaadon Ackley, Brandon Ackley, Caren Ackley, Robin Ackley, Audra (Matt) Rothwell, Ashley (Travis) Reinke, Megan Dunk and Marie Oberst. He was “Papa GG” to 21 great grandchildren. Also survived by a sister Betty (Lowell) Snyder a brother Charles Murphy, sisters-in-law, Melba (Paul) Wubben, Carolyn Jurisch, Beth Muth, nieces, nephew’s other relatives and dear friends.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Gullberg for his many years of care for Dean.

“An Irish Blessing”

May your day be touched with a bit of Irish luck brightened by a song in your heart, and warm smiles by the people you love.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dean's life will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021, 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation on Thursday, 10:00 AM until time of service.