William H. Murphy Jr., age 82 of Lake St. Croix Beach/Afton, MN died Tuesday May 24th, 2016 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul following complications of a stroke. Bill was born on June 26, 1933 in Woodbury, Minnesota; the son of William Sr. and Ethel (Schneider) Murphy. He attended elementary school in the country in Afton and graduated from Hastings High School. As a young man, he worked on the family farm in Afton. On April 27, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Joan Pothen at St. Lima’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. He farmed for many years but also became a trained machinist. He worked for various companies; retiring from Cass Machine in Brooklyn Park in 1996.

Learning how to fabricate and fix things on the farm, he began making trailers. Over the years, he got craftier and busier and must have made over a 1000 trailers. He loved dancing, his faith, and family; especially teasing his grandchildren. In 1996, Bill had a severe stroke, but with family and friends, he lived a good life. He enjoyed puzzles, card games, and tinkering in his garage.

Bill will remain in the hearts of his loving wife Marge; children Dan (Ursula), Jeanette (Gregory) Mead, Patrick (Margaret), Eileen (Robert) Vogelpohl, Joann (Doug) Szurek, Michael (Cheryl), Rita (Dave) Halverson, Gregory (Renae), Anthony (Mary), Terrence (Lara), Matthew (Jenny), Richard (Christine); 39 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; siblings George (Gloria), Hubert (Carol), Alice (Larry) Muller, Rose Butch) Siebenaler. Bill is Preceded in death by his parents William Sr. & Ethel; siblings John, Mary, Marguerite, and Wynifred.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11AM Friday May 27, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; 16770 13th St. So, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at church. Memorials preferred. Burial will be in the Cottage Grove Cemetery with his children serving as casket bearers. A special thank you his hospice providers: Joyce, Jill, and Beth; his personal care assistants: Elaina, Cindy, and Jennifer; special volunteers: Angie, Pam, Jackie, and Elaine; and beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Ann. You all were more than a blessing to him.