In Loving Memory

Mike ‘Murph’ Murphy

Michael Dennis “Murph” Murphy, 78, of Aitkin, MN (formerly Bloomington, MN) Passed away March 5, 2025. Mike was born in Morris, MN on February 5, 1947, the only child of Frances (Murphy) Bursch. Then moved to Bloomington, MN and grew up with the Wittenberg Clan just a block away.

Enlisted into the U.S. Navy on March 25, 1966 aboard USS Apache until March 24, 1970. Mike was united in marriage to Bonnie Wittenberg on August 19, 1972. They ended up staying in Bloomington to raise a family. He worked for Starkey Hearing Aid Labs for many years. He was an avid fisherman & hunter where he would go on adventures with his buddies. He also enjoyed karaoke, shooting pool and making beef jerky. Many stories & memories were shared amongst family & friends. In 2002, Mike & Bonnie moved to Aitkin to live on Fleming Lake. This property was handed down through Frances & Glenn Bursch & Grandpa Frank Bursch. The lake home property meant a lot to Murph. It was there that Murphy made many more new friends.

He lived his life to the fullest. He was preceded in death by his parents Frances “Frankie” & step-father Glenn Bursch, brother-in-law Gene Wittenberg, sister-in-law Anne Wittenberg, brother-in-law Bruce Wittenberg.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Murphy of 52 years; blessed with two daughters: Lindy (Paul) Neikirk & Shelley (Dave) Padden. Also blessed with two wonderful grandchildren Evelyn Neikirk & Tobias Padden which are known as Grampa’s “E.T.” Evie & Toby. Also, the Murphy & Degendorfer cousins; Harvey & Diane Lovejoy, and Murph & Bonnie’s Earth Angel ~ Bob Wallner. “Bonnie’s siblings & Mike’s In-Laws”: Dave Wittenberg, Barb (Chuck) Goggin, Becky (Mark) Ebent, Heidi (Tom) Potter & sister-in-law Deborah Wittenberg. Along with many wonderful nieces, nephews, family & friends.

While flowers are welcome, the family would also be grateful for assistance with funeral costs. If you would like to contribute to the funeral funds, please contact the family.

LOVE YOU ALL

Final resting place:

Fort Snelling Cemetery on May 23rd, 2025 at: 9:00am

Celebration of life will follow after at: Ambrose Hall (south parking lot) at St Bonaventure Catholic Church, 901 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420

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