Mark William Murphy

Mark William Murphy was born June 3, 1962 in LeMars, Iowa, the son of Donald Murphy and Alice (Conway) Murphy. The family moved to Cherokee, where Mark attended Immaculate Conception and later Cherokee Public Schools, graduating from Washington High School in 1981, the “Class with Class.”

 Mark’s call to public service began with his enlistment in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1986. Later he started in freight dispatch with Transport Service in Chicago, IL, advancing in this career until his return to Iowa to work for Hirschbach in the 1990s. Eventually, Mark followed his father’s footsteps into the HyVee Food Store family, beginning in Sioux City and moving back to Cherokee as Produce Manager. In 2009, Mark was elected Mayor of his hometown, Cherokee, and he served the city in this capacity from 2010 until his retirement from the position in 2018. His career with HyVee continued until he was elected Cherokee County Recorder in 2014. His leadership ability, commitment to customer service and going the extra mile was evident in every role he held.

 Mark grew up hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and angler and loved to be out on the water in his boat. He loved to watch sports, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. Mark volunteered over the years with the Cherokee Country Club, Cherokee County Republican Committee, Friends of Conservation, and recently became a member of the Cherokee Historic Preservation Commission. He was a faithful servant at CrossRidge Evangelical Free Church in Holstein, Iowa, and Crossroads Christian Church in Cherokee. He treasured his Friday morning bible study group.

 Mark married his beloved wife Ginger (Walker) Murphy, in 2015. He was an awesome role model and stepfather to William and Cole Vietor. Mark’s life was spent serving others. He was an exemplary son, brother, friend and neighbor who would give anyone the shirt off his back.

 Mark went home peacefully to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at UnityPoint St. Luke’s in Sioux City, Iowa on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Donald Murphy. He will be dearly missed by his wife and stepsons, his mother, and siblings; Dan (Karen) Murphy of Alexandria, MN, Kathy (Leo) Novosel of Oak Lawn, IL, Michael (Dawn) Murphy of Farewell, MN, and Patrick (Shondra) Murphy of Urbandale, IA, many sweet nieces and nephews and more dear friends than can be counted.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT