John D. Murphy

John D. Murphy of Custer SD, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 2, 2024 at the home of his daughter in Wisconsin. John is survived by his wife Florence, children, Maureen, Shawn (Kathy), Shaila (Bruce Boutell), Michael (Tanya); grandchildren, Jeramy (Kari), Katie, Kevin, Finn, Liam and great-grandchildren Olive and Evan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

John grew up in Canonchet RI and after graduating Westerly High School he attended the University of Maine to study forestry. He left school to join the US Army in February of 1958. Upon fulfilling his active-duty requirements with the army, he finished his forestry studies at the University of Rhode Island and graduated in 1963 with a BS in Agricultural Studies.

He joined the US Forest Service and was assigned to the Black Hills National Forest in Custer SD. It is here where he met his wife, Florence. John spent his entire career in forestry moving around the country with his family. All the while making lifelong friends everywhere he went. After retirement John and Florence returned to his beloved Black Hills where they lived happily for 30 years. John enjoyed people and always had a story to share. John was a one of kind, unique man, and he is already greatly missed by his loved ones.

John is preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Ruby (Hoxsie), his brothers Maurice and Edward, and his sister, Sister Ann S.C.N.

Services will be held at a later date and John will be laid to rest at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis SD.

In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions may be made to Operation Black Hills Cabin or Feeding South Dakota.