Memorial services for 81-year old Dennis Murphy of Harrison, NE, who died Nov 7, 2023, are Monday, March 11, 2024 at 2:00 at Sioux County High School in Harrison.
Burial will be at the National Veterans Cemetery in Omaha. Dennis was a veteran of the U-S Navy.
A memorial has been established and donations can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970 in Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com.
Dennis George Murphy was born to John and Clara Murphy on March 11, 1942, in Omaha and died Nov. 7, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE, with his loving family by his side.
Dennis was the third of 6 children and attended Holy Family Catholic Grade School and Omaha Tech High School, where he graduated in 1960. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Dennis served in the Navy for four years active duty, 1960-64, and two years reserve, 1964-66. He had a fond memory of his time in the Navy and had many stories of the different places he visited during his military career.
Upon being discharged and returning to Omaha, Dennis began working at the Federal Reserve Bank branch there. That’s where he met Marilyn Nigro. The couple married and welcomed their son, Michael Anthony Murphy, in 1970. They later divorced in 1975.
Dennis enjoyed his job at the bank, but longed for an occupation where he could enjoy the outdoors. He eventually started his own business, Murphy Lawn Care. He worked multiple lawn care jobs before becoming a full-time groundskeeper for Christ The King Catholic Church in Omaha.
While working at Christ the King, he met Sandy Struble. They married in 1992 and enjoyed 31 years together. They moved to Harrison in 1994 and to their union were born two sons, Jake Dennis and John McClellan.
Dennis became the Sioux County Weed Superintendent and fulfilled those duties until he retired in 2004. He enjoyed retirement by serving the community of Harrison in different positions.
He greatly enjoyed being on the village boards, eventually serving as mayor. Dennis was also active with the Sioux County School Board and was quartermaster of VFW Post 7970.
In 2013, Dennis began working part-time as a relief driver for RD-Eagle Transports, delivering mail to local communities. He loved driving the route and delivering sweets to local post offices on Saturday mornings.
On Saturday, Nov 4, 2023, Dennis was hit by a drunk driver shortly after starting his morning route. The injuries sustained in the accident eventually led to his passing.
Dennis loved cooking for his family and their friends, cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, horse racing, fishing, and most importantly, the Lord.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack, and sister-in-law Peggy.
Dennis is survived by his wife Sandy; sons Michael, Jake (Rachel), and John; brothers Jim (Jo), Pat (Laurie) and Mike (Ginger); sister Mary Bickels (Ben); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements for Dennis Murphy