Terry Murphy
August 03, 1949 — November 26, 2023
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Service Details
Terry Murphy, 74, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2023. Services will be held at The Bridge, 10025 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the service in person, there will be a livestream available: click here.
Terry was born on August 3, 1949, the sixth child of Clarence and Freda (Chapman) Murphy. He grew up on a farm outside the city limits of Perry, Iowa, and graduated from Perry High School in 1967. He later attended Iowa Western Community College and Drake University, as well as served in the Iowa National Guard. Terry married Dianna Sorber, his high school sweetheart, in 1970. Terry and Dianna settled in Des Moines and later moved to Urbandale, Iowa where they raised their family. Terry was a wholesale food buyer for Super Valu and in sales for Acosta Sales and Marketing. Terry’s life was the epitome of family first. He enjoyed many years of traveling and adventures with family, and friends that were like family. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren. He loved attending their events, cheering them on, and being an active part of their lives. His pride was palpable. He and Dianna moved even closer to their grandchildren so that Mr. Fix-It could be closer whenever they needed him.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Dianna Murphy; daughters, Darcy (Adam) Nidey and Emily (Mark) Verbrugge all of Waukee, IA; sisters, Maureen Ekeland of Urbandale, IA and Nadine Killmer of West Des Moines, IA; four grandchildren, Evan and Lauren Nidey, and Kate and Claire Verbrugge; sister-in-law, Judy Sorber of Perry, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Freda Murphy; infant brother, Michael Murphy; brother, Merwin “Butch” Murphy; sister, Marilyn England; sisters-in-law, Karen Murphy and Yvonne Pope; brothers-in-law, Larry Killmer, Jim Ekeland, Dick Pope, and Ron Sorber.
Terry will be remembered for his love, his laugh, his joy of telling a great joke or story, and just generally being kind. He was a gentleman who leaves his family with a legacy of love and laughter. He would want us to remind you to tell your people that you love them, to be safe, and to always remember to laugh. We are forever grateful to the teams at Mission Cancer, the John Stoddard Infusion Center, Nebraska Medicine, and the amazing staff of Iowa Methodist’s Powell 3 as he battled Leukemia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary or blood donation to LifeServe Blood Center, or the charity of your choice.
Steven & Judith(Murphy) Urich
12/05/2023
So sorry for the loss of your dear husband, dad & grandad, he was an extraordinary man,remember when mother & I went to your wedding, were late, changing a flat tire, he didnt believe I did it myself. I said when your dad dies when youre 5, you learn to do a lot of things yourself, yes, I suppose you do, he said. You all were so lucky to have Mr. Fix-it. He did have a wonderful laugh, wish Id been around him more, he will be remembered.
Sheila Sciachitano
12/03/2023
So saddened for the loss of Terry. We worked in the market for years as friendly competitors. He always had a quip or story that brightened any mood. His warm spirit was evident in every conversation. He truly was a gentleman.
Lori Neitzel
11/30/2023
Murph was one of the first people, outside of my own Acosta office, that I met and bonded with, way back when. His smile was infectious and could make me laugh at any moment...especially when I needed it. He was a large part of our Acosta HBC/GM family. I will cherish his friendship and all of the times that he made me laugh. Terry loved each of you so much and loved to share the stories of your life with us. Sending hugs and many prayers for all of you.
Erin (Walter) Jordan
11/30/2023
Mr. Murphy (childhood habits die hard) was a fun and funny dad. I remember him joking around with Darcy's friends, including me, when we would visit their house. I'm not surprised he was a huge fan of his grandkids! I will be thinking of you, Darcy and Emily!
Clare Mueller
11/30/2023
Murph was simply the best. I worked with him at Acosta as part of the Mid-West HBC/GM Region. We were all like family and Murph loved his family. Knowing Murph he will always be by your side and will find a way to always keep you safe. Having faith in this gives me peace and thankfulness for having known such a genuine person.
God Bless, Clare Mueller
Jolene and Jim Brown
11/30/2023
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family! Always a kind and loving man at church!
Rich Collette
11/29/2023
My deepest sympathies to all the Murphy family. I worked with Terry many years and always loved his humor and demeanor. He certainly loved his family. I can remember many stories of him raising daughters and the laughter it brought to him. His family was always number one. A good and honorable man.