Michael "Mike" E. Murphy

Michael "Mike" E. Murphy, age 66, of rural St. Peter, died Monday, April 24, 2023.

Memorial Service Celebrating Mike's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 28, 2023, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, followed by military honors.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, April 27 and one hour prior to service all at Northview.  Family interment will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Have you ever met a man who could do anything? Maybe you needed something designed, repaired (“Mike-Gyver’ed”), or just listen to him strum his guitar. That would have been Murph.

Michael E. Murphy was born on July 22, 1956, in St. Paul MN, the 3rd of 4 children, to Mike Sr. and Wally Murphy.  Elementary years were spent riding the bus lines throughout the twin cities until moving to St. James, MN.  There he “matured” to jumping motorcycles over bonfires and driving his car on the railroad tracks.  These antics and his kind demeanor impressed one fine lady; he married Pam on August 16, 1975.  They have 3 children: Joe (Sara), Ryan (Melissa), & Megan (Tyler), and 9 grandchildren: Mason (24), Christian (20), Reagan (13), Griffin (12), Jace (10), Lyla (8), Knox (8), Nash (6) & Tate (4).

Their life adventures started with the Air Force in Texas and Hawaii.  They ultimately made their home in Cannon Falls for 30 years, and in 2021 moved to St. Peter, MN.  Any activity was on the to-do list: shooting bows, swimming, maybe a zip-line or giant waterslide. You might see him water skiing (standing on the back of a plastic lawn chair), or playing Rock Band with family and friends.  Mike’s song to sing was “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” by CCR. 

Working for Cargill for over 30 years, Mike traveled all over the world, visited every continent except Antarctica (although he flew over it a time or two).  As Director of Maintenance for Cargill’s flight department, serving on different boards and committees across the country, he formed meaningful personal and professional relationships that he spoke of often.  During his five years of retirement, Mike and Pam would head to Arizona in the winter to spend time riding the mountain trails in his Can-Am, and enjoying desert sunsets on their back patio with friends.

Sadly, on April 24, 2023, Mike passed away after a tough, nearly three year battle with cancer. To say he will be missed is an understatement.  Their son Ryan, nephew Zach, his parents and in-laws are all now together again. Save us a place Mike, we will see you again♥️.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.