Richard “Dick” Joseph Murphy, 90, of Des Moines, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Wesley on Grand Senior Living Community, Des Moines, Iowa.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, with Father Nivin Scaria officiating. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Manson, IA. A viewing will take place one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Ambrose Cathedral Church or a charity of your choice.
Born on June 19, 1934, in Fort Dodge, Richard was the son of Elmer and Bridget (O’Brien) Murphy. He graduated from Manson High School in the Class of 1954 and later lived with his grandparents on their farm in Graettinger.
Richard began serving as an altar boy at St. Thomas Church in Manson, Iowa, in the 1940s. After moving to Des Moines, he became a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He lived at the downtown YMCA for 35 years, and after its closing, he moved near St. Ambrose Cathedral, where he became very active in parish activities, including Parish Receptions, Burrito Bowls, Lenten Fish Lunches, and other Knights of Columbus events.
Richard worked in the food industry at various downtown restaurants, retiring from Hy-Vee Hall. A passionate sports fan, Richard avidly followed the St. Louis Cardinals, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was a season ticket holder for the Barnstormers.
Richard was a beloved member of St. Ambrose Cathedral, the Sons of St. Patrick, and a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus member.
He is survived by his sister, Kathy (Bob) Carney of Clear Lake, Iowa, as well as his nieces and nephews: Peter (Peg) Murphy, Patrick (Jan) Murphy, Mary (Kurt) Heinrich, Kevin (Kari) Carney, Erin (Chris) Meyer, Bridget (Brad) Lemker, Courtney (Gary) Matt; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cousins.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, William “Bill” (Margit) Murphy, sister, Mary Murphy, infant brother, Dennis, Murphy; nephew, Matthew Murphy and great-grand-nephew, Nolan Meyer.
The family would like to thank the Hospice staff for the love and care that Richard received.
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