Bernard L. Murphy

Bernard L. Murphy, age 96, Gays Mills, passed away Saturday, July 31st, 2021, at Vernon Memorial Hospital. He was born at home near Rolling Ground to John Murphy and Elizabeth Tully and lived in the area his entire life with the exception of two years in the Army during which he was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge from the service, he married his wife of 69 years, Virginia Schmid of Loretto, Wisconsin. Bernard purchased a farm at Rolling Ground in April 1953, and lived there until 1995, when he moved to Gays Mills. In addition to farming, he hauled canned milk for thirteen years for the Golden Glow Cheese Factory and drove school bus for North Crawford Schools for 34 years. He belonged to St. Phillips Church, Rolling Ground, serving on the parish council and, with his wife, managing the care of the cemetery for 14 years. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Donna (David) Swanson of Platteville; son, Dennis (Carn Messling) of Waukon, Iowa; grandsons, Wesley (Kena) Swanson of Pearl River, New York and Andrew (Kelly) Swanson of Georgetown, Kentucky; and granddaughter, Kari (Sam) Zelinka of Madison; as well as seven great-granddaughters: Jordan Wallin-Swanson and Jill Swanson of Georgetown, Kentucky, Greta and Abigail Swanson of Pearl River, New York and Nora, Julie, and Beatrix Zelinka of Madison. Two of Bernard’s siblings also survive, Eugene (Mary) Murphy of Madison and Elaine Olson of Reedsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Florence (Byron) Moran, Walter (Martha) Murphy, Don (Delores) Murphy, and Therese (Donald) Johnson; and his brother-in-law, Leo Olson. Bernard was a loving and hard-working husband and father who enjoyed a good visit with neighbors, a game of euchre and a beer, and watching the world around him. He lived a long and full life and will be greatly missed by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at St. Philip Catholic Church in Rolling Ground. Visitation will be held Friday, August 6 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Additional visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors. The family requests that those who are not vaccinated please wear a face mask. Vosseteig Funeral Home of Gays Mills is serving Bernard's family. 325 Sunset Ave. Gays Mills, WI 54631 (608) 735-2100