Phillip Matthew Murphy
April 10, 2019
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Service Details
Phillip Matthew Murphy, 68, passed away into the arms of our Lord on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Phill was born September 15, 1950 to Matthew and Theresa (Strauss) Murphy in Granger, Iowa.
He graduated from Dowling High School and attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City where he met Linda. They married in 1971. He served in Viet Nam in the U.S. Army. When he returned, Phill studied engineering at Iowa State University while working at John Deere.
Phill was dedicated to John Deere as an employee for 50 years and proud of the work John Deere contributes to the world in agriculture. The last several years he served as Manager - Global Partnerships R1, R3, Crop Care. His role at John Deere provided him with the opportunity to mentor many young engineers and travel across the globe where he helped to build new products and partnerships. Phill was never happier than when he could talk about John Deere.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and was devoted to his grandchildren. Phill and Linda traveled the world together and spent many summers in Sanibel with family. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed golf and rode RAGBRAI for 20 years. With all these interests, he enjoyed the companionship of his friends as much as he enjoyed the sport. Phill and Linda were Master Gardner’s and enjoyed this pastime together. He was a longtime member Rotary Club of Des Moines AM. The comradery and passion he shared with his “brothers” through the Des Moines Breakfast Club were cherished by Phill. His spiritual calling was in his voice, singing in the choir at Lutheran Church of Hope.
Phillip is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Christine Esser (Mark); sister, Catherine Murphy; grandchildren, Matthew Taylor, Nicholas Esser and Abigail Esser; and great-grandchild, Alexis Taylor.
Visitation will be held 4 pm to 6 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held 11 am Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
nick esser
05/03/2021
thankyou for being a great grandfather
Irene Hart
04/23/2019
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I reported into Phill from South Africa working on the Partnering Products. Phill was a mentor and didn't mind driving around 3 hours in search of the Cradle of Humankind, he viewed it as an adventure.
I shall miss him greatly.
Leigh Ann
04/16/2019
Very sorry for your loss. In choir, he was always friendly and loved singing to our Lord. He will be missed.
Rebecca Skow (Mrs.Skow)
04/14/2019
Nick and Abby-
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. I can tell that he was a great man and was super proud of you two. I will be praying for comfort and peace for you both.
R.Torres
04/14/2019
Very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Bible at Acts 24:15 And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both righteous and the unrighteous.
DANIEL J Callan
04/12/2019
Linda, you have all my prayers. Phil and I have lost touch over the years, since graduating from Dowling HS, we saw each other a couple of times since his return from Vietnam, I wished we could have see him at Dowling HS 50TH grad anniversary .I cannot attend due to knee surgery but will think and pray for him and you often. All my best wishes for you and yours.
Rodrigo Rodrigues (Catalao)
04/12/2019
Phil was a great man - I learned a lot from him in the short time that I worked with him. I learned how to be better professionally, but also how to be a better person. Phill had an incredible ability to captivate and inspire the people around him. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
Bill Stalter
04/11/2019
Linda, I was so saddened to hear of Phil illness and sudden passing to be with God. Phil always took time to listen intently when ever I would bump into him at work or at Hyvee. Phil definitely made the world a better place. May peace find and soothe you. Bill
Mary and Randy Gordon
04/11/2019
Linda and family we are so sad to hear the news. Phil was an outstanding man. A great businessman, a great family man and a great friend to so many. We consider his friendship a blessing in our lives. We are thinking of you all and pray for you in this great loss. Love to you all. Mary and Randy