Leo E. Murphy, 84, Milaca

Published 10:08 am Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Leo E. Murphy, 84, of Milaca, Minn., born Sept. 12, 1928, died Feb. 7, 2013.

Leo E. Murphy

Leo served in the army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as a lineman for Austin Utilities. In 1971, he accepted a job as a linemen training and safety instructor with the Minnesota Department of Vocational Education. In 1980, he became district manager, safety coordinator with East Central Electric in Milaca. After several heart surgeries, Leo retired in 1989 and spent winters in Ariz. He loved to fish and was active in the community and at the Milaca Golf Course.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Winifred; son Michael James; brother-in-law, Arden Stromberg; and great-granddaughter Madison Corrigan. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sister, Kathleen (Marion) Stanton; sons, Thomas (Donna), Mark, Kevin (Elizabeth); daughter, Marcia (Tom) Ritter; daughter-in-law, Patricia; step-daughters, Brenda (James) Olness and Laurie (James) Corrigan; 16 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 625 Third Ave. SE, Milaca on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., with visitation at the church one hour prior. Memorials preferred to the Milaca Food Shelf or to the Mille Lacs Health System Hospice Program. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.