Robert Arnold Murphy, age 83, was born to Ralph and Esther (Drews) Murphy in Appleton Wisconsin. Bob attended Appleton Public Schools, graduating from Appleton High School in June of 1951.  After his entry into the United States Navy in the fall of 1953, he served 4 years on the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Bennington, being honorably discharged in 1957.

He married Mae Ione Brauer in April 1958. That marriage resulted in the adoption of two children, Timothy Murphy and Patricia Denny, who survive him.

He made his career with the Wisconsin Job Service, where he served as a director of employment relations for over 30 years, retiring in June of 1991.

In July of 1977 he married Sonya (Tallakson) Foss. They spent 40 years together, ending in his death on August 10, 2017. Survivors are the children of Sonya; Cynthia Lee and Juleah Foss, grandchildren; Katie and R.J. Lee, Micaelah Foss, Jacob Denny and Anthony Topel and great grandson; Cooper Borland. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Ruth Brooks and a stepson, Mark Foss.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October, 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN with a one hour visitation prior to services beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Pastor Matt McWaters will officiate. The urn bearer for Bob will be his grandson R.J. Lee. Military honors will be accorded by the Spencer Ross American Legion Post 134 of Walker, MN. Bob’s services will be followed by a tailgate celebration at the Lucky Moose in Walker, MN. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Robert’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com