Michael Gifford Murphy

It is with deep sorrow that the Churchill, Dayton, Johnson, and Murphy families announce the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, and brother, Michael “Mike” Gifford Murphy. Born on June 7, 1946, Mike was a proud Iowa native whose life was rooted in family, hard work, deep love, and unwavering loyalty.

After attending Marshalltown Community College, he earned his degree in Dairy Science from Iowa State University in 1973, marking a milestone that grounded a lifetime devotion to cattle, milking, and the triumphs and challenges of farm life.

Mike worked for many years at the Maytag Dairy Farm, where his passion for Holstein cattle, and his gentle and respectful way with animals, earned him the admiration of his colleagues and community. He also enjoyed being a Teamster Union member and believed deeply in the dignity of labor and strength of solidarity.

Mike considered his most important job, however, to be that of father and husband. He doted over his “Superchick,” daughter, Bunny (Murphy) Churchill. Mike was Bunny’s biggest fan and fiercest protector.

He married the love of his life, Mary, on November 11, 1978, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, and was overjoyed to become a stepfather to Julie “Diddle Diddle” Johnson. The family settled in Des Moines, Iowa, where Mike was able to share his land and a love of gardening with his sisters, Penny and Cyndi.

Born a true Irishman, Mike enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick’s Day often delivering green frosted sugar cookies to friends and family. He was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs (long before they were World Series champions) and the Iowa State Cyclones, cheering (and sometimes yelling) through every season.

While he was a sports fan, nothing brought him more joy than his two grandsons. Mike was a devoted grandfather, cherishing every moment he got to spend with Oliver and Andrew, teaching them about the farm or simply listening to their stories. He was especially proud of the part he got to play in shaping the men they are today.

Mike was predeceased by his wife, Mary Murphy; his brother Terry Murphy; his parents Jesse and Orville Murphy; and sister-in-law Susie Roupe.

Those left to honor Mike’s memory include his daughters Bunny (Michael) Churchill and Julie Johnson; grandsons Oliver and Andrew (Brooke) and their father Troy Dayton; sisters Penny Murphy and Cyndi Murphy; nieces Denise Kuzniewski and Jennifer (Mark) Kasten; nephew Jim (Michelle) Murphy; sister-in-law Donna (Lee) McNabb; and brother-in-law Denny Roupe.

Mike departed on September 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and love. His presence on earth will be missed, but his spirit will be with us forever.

A visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The graveside service for Mike will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8 at Slagel Cemetery in rural Newton. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bar None Cowboy Church in Newton or to Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines; these can be brought to the graveside service or dropped off at Pence-Reese Funeral Home.