Robert "Bob" E. Murphy

Robert E. “Bob” Murphy, 86, lifelong Superior, WI resident, died on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 1, 1931 in Superior, WI to Dennis and Emma (Bracken) Murphy.

Bob served during the Korean War with the United States Air Force and he was known to say “He won the battle of the Interstate Bridge.”

Bob married Audrey Coss on July 24, 1954 and celebrated fifty-four years of marriage before she passed away.

Bob was well known in the Twin Ports during his early career in the radio and television industry as an on-air personality that spanned twenty years. It was at the end of that era, Bob has been quoted to have said “I grew up and got out of show business.” It was at that time, through friendships with Mickey Nielsen and Fred Piper, Bob decided it was time for “a career alignment” and the three men formed a juice business, called NAP Beverage, Inc. With Bob’s dedication the business grew, in retrospect Bob was known to say “When we started out we had a very humble beginning with only two people.” Bob’s charisma and years of sales experience made him a natural to get his fledgling business off the ground. Although it started out as a Dad and Lad operation it grew into a family run business.

Bob was active with the SBA (Small Business Administration) for years culminating in being the recipient for a SBA Outstanding Achievement Award. He was passionate in seeing people succeed with their endeavors and dreams.

Bob’s affiliations included St. Francis Xavier Church, the Elks Lodge #403, the UWS Blue Line Club and his involvement with the AA community. He was an avid sports enthusiast attending many local baseball and hockey games including his own grandchildren’s sports.

Bob was a prolific reader, his favorite genre was history. In the past few years, Dad put pen to paper writing many of his stories giving his family a glimmer of his own childhood. Bob touched so many people’s lives with loyalty to friends at regular coffee dates, weekly lunches or a visit to nursing homes to check on old friends.

Bob is survived by his children, Colleen Namaste (Donald Burm, Jr.) of Superior, WI, Erin Murphy of Solon Springs, WI and Michael Murphy of Superior, WI and Kelly (Jeffrey) Oliver, of Washington, D.C. Bob was blessed with seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Dad was immensely proud of his entire family and loved us unconditionally. Bob shared his later years with his special friend, Jan Culliton. Bob said about Jan “I’m living the dream because of you.” Bob certainly gave more than he ever took in his lifetime and he will be deeply missed.

In addition to wife Audrey, he is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Dennis Murphy.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Church and continue until the 12:00 PM Memorial Mass with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. A private family inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior at a later date.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.