Jeannine Mae (Rolf) Murphy, aged 94 years, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. She was born in Lester Prairie, MN on October 12, 1928. Jeannine was the oldest of six children born to Frederick and Agnes (Tonn) Rolf. As typical of her time in Lester Prairie, she attended a one-room country school. Her education provided Jeannine with a lifelong love of reading, thirst for knowledge, and curiosity about the world. She moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she married her valentine sweetheart James (Jim) Edward Murphy Jr. on February 14, 1948, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Jim and Jeannine subsequently moved to Three Lakes Farm, near Roberts, WI. They were the very proud parents of 13 children – 10 girls and 3 boys. Jeannine began waitressing at the LaBon’s Truck Stop in 1969, where she worked the night shift and was known as “Ma Murphy” by many.

Jeannine was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Agnes Rolf, Jim Murphy, her loving husband of 42 years, her daughter Terry Lee Murphy Fort, her brothers Charles Rolf and his wife Betty Lou, Roland Rolf and his wife Lucy, Richard Rolf, sister-in-law Nancy Rolf, and brother-in-law George Birkholz.

Jeannine will be greatly missed by her many family members and friends. She is survived by 12 children: Kathleen Kay Coey, Susan Marie Larsen, Nancy Louise Murphy, Marilyn Jean Murphy, Brian James (Jacqueline) Murphy, Michelle Eileen Ellefsen, Rita Colleen (Kevin) Johnson, John Patrick (Suzanne) Murphy, Kerry Aileen (James) Rouleau, Michael Charles Murphy, Amy Jo (Dean) Factor, and Erin Shawn Murphy, 25 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Louis (Jenny) Rolf, her sister Marion Birkholz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Jeannine’s love for her big family was displayed in many ways, including cooking and baking (making Christmas cookies for every family), knitting and needlework (making pajamas for every grandchild), flowers and gardening (hands in the dirt with grandchildren), and traveling with her family (including a legendary trip to Ireland). She also loved all kinds of music – from classical to rock and roll – and listening to Jim’s daily piano serenades. The family’s love of music and musical talents have been passed down to the younger generations. Jeannine loved to dance, was fun-loving, always up for an adventure, and the very heart of the large Murphy family.

The service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11^th Street, Hudson, WI 54016. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a late luncheon.

Memorials can be made to the Jeannine Murphy Estate.