Timothy Murphy

Timothy Joseph Murphy, 72, of Tama, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at his home. He was under the care of the Iowa River Hospice Home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Tim will be held by the family on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Church in Tama. Visitation will begin prior to the service, at 9:30 a.m. To send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Timothy Joseph Murphy was born on May 28, 1951 in Waterloo, Iowa. He was the son of Dr. George H. and Bettie (Winninger) Murphy. Tim graduated from South Tama High School in 1969. After school, Tim served his country honorably in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. He had previously been married to Sharon Harris and they have three children together: Jenny, Becky and Teresa. They later divorced. Tim was then married to Lou Ann Donofrio and they later divorced. Tim had been self-employed as a flint knapper, artist and musician. He also worked at the Carter House in Hannibal, Missouri as a counselor on alcohol and drug abuse and Party Pac Popcorn Company in Marshalltown. He was a member of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama. Tim was a very talented artist. He would take stone, bone, antler and crystals, creating art from the resources and gifts from God. Tim would say, “When people see the beauty, they are seeing the reflection of the beauty they are: A Gift from God. This was Tim’s mission - Love!

Tim is survived by his children: Jenny Murphy, Becky Murphy and Teresa Murphy. Grandchildren: Carly, Emma, Ruben, Hayden and Rosalee. Siblings: Dr. Michael (Wendy) Murphy, Susan (Craig) Auffart, Joseph (Kay) Murphy, Thomas (Chris) Murphy and Ann Brown; step-siblings: Peg (Refugio) Arellano, Cathy (Paul) Brugman, Martin Bernardy, Ben (Carrie) Bernardy and Chuck (Becky) Bernardy and his kitty cat: “Screech”.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents: Dr. George and Bettie; siblings: Rebecca Reinier, Kathy Studards, Dr. James Murphy and David Murphy; step-father: Ben Bernardy and nephews: Brian Young and Andrew George.