Emma Theresa Murphy

Emma, the daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Murphy was born May 12, 1914 in Emmetsburg. She attended St. Ellen's Grade School and graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1932 with a normal training teacher's certificate. She later graduated from the Sioux City Academy of Beauty Culture and had her own beauty parlor in Wesley for several years. Emma was married to Emmet Murphy of Graettinger at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg on February 20, 1939. The couple farmed south of Graettinger for their entire lives until Emmet passed away in September of 1987. After Emmet's death, Emma continued to live on the farm until she entered the Emmetsburg Care Center in February of 2006. Emma loved to bake, and often thought of opening her won pie and coffee shop. She was a true contest fan, entering and winning contests over a span of many years. She would proudly show off her box of contest letters to anyone who stopped to visit her. Emma was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, a charter member of their Catholic Daughters of America, Altar and Rosary Society member, and taught CCD classes for many years. Emma is survived by eight children: JoAnn (Jerr...[more]

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Breyfogle of Sioux City, Jerry (Nancy) Murphy of Des Moines, Bob (Bertha) Murphy of Pittsburgh, PA, Maureen Johnson of Fort Dodge, John Murphy of Indianola, Tim Murphy of Graettinger, Dan Murphy of Rockford, IL, and Jim (Thanh) Murphy of Virginia Beach, VA; a brother, James Murphy of Lake Crystal, MN; 29 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Emma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emmet; brothers: George and Philip; sisters: Loretta, Gertrude, Camellia and Doris; daughters-in-law, Mary Ann Murphy and Eileen Murphy.