Obituary of William Murphy

William Richard "Dick" Murphy, 85 of Hermantown passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 in Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born June 28, 1936 in Duluth. He grew up in Alborn and graduated from Alborn School in 1955. On March 14, 1964 he married Marna Poster. They made their home in Alborn and together raised two children. Dick worked as a heavy equipment operator for 22 years for Local Union 49. He then went to work for the DM&IR Railroad for 21 years, retiring in 1995. Dick was a member of the Alborn Sno-Devils and was the club's first president. He also belonged to the old car club in Virginia called Range Vintage. Dick raced snowmobiles, loved NASCAR, enjoyed going to swap meets and car shows. He also owned several antique cars. Dick also served in the Navy Reserves from 1954 to 1962. Dick enjoyed going to the casino and taking chartered motorcoach trips. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Murphy and sister, Dorothy Fosness. Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marna; daughter, Dawn (Kevin Olson) Murphy of Culver; son, Dennis Murphy of Culver; grandchildren, Corey (Jessica), Axel (Amber), Drew, Tucker, Cade, Ayla, and Elli; and three nephews, Jess, Paul and Chuck Fosness. Private family services will be held. Inurnment will be in Alborn Cemetery. Letters and cards of condolence may be sent to the family c/o Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet, MN 55720. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com