Murphy Sr., William W.

William W. Murphy Sr., 83, of Shellsburg, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Celebration of Life services will be held Wednesday, June 20, at Wildcat Golf Course Club House, Shellsburg, with visitation from 4 to 5 p.m., and memorial service starting at 5 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ed Kraft. A meal will be served at 6 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in Czech National Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family.

William was born March 11, 1929, near West Branch, the son of William A. and Elizabeth (Cihla) Murphy. He married Donna Netolicky on March 5, 1992, in Reno, Nev. He was an electrician and worked at the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant and several other businesses in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. He was a 49-year member of IBEW Local 405 in Cedar Rapids.

Bill was known for being an avid sportsman and hunting mushrooms. He was very generous with his time and ability to help others and believed there was good in everyone.

William is survived by his wife, Donna; children, William W. Jr. of Cedar Rapids, Steven (Barb) of Cedar Rapids, Patty (Ron) Phelps of Urbana, Craig (Roseann) of Urbana, Colleen (Mike) McGuinty of Cedar Rapids, Dan (Stephanie) of Cedar Rapids, Mike (Jodi) of Cedar Rapids, Mary Jackson of Maquoketa and Deanna Wirtanen of Marengo; 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clarence; a sister, Bonnie Aubrecht; a granddaughter, Carrie A. Murphy; and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published June 17, 2012 in The Gazette