Carol Joan Murphy, 94, of Salida, Colorado, died September 13, 2025 in her home surrounded by her family. Carol spent the first half of her life in Pound, Wisconsin. She was born July 27, 1931 to the late Neil and Hannah McMillan.
Mrs. Murphy was a 1949 graduate of Coleman, Wisconsin high school. After graduation, she worked for a bank in Green Bay and in Pound, Wisconsin. She married Dave Murphy on May 1, 1954, at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pound. They were married 53 years and had 5 children.
In 1977, they moved to Salida, Colorado after buying the Hi-Lander Motel and Lamplighter Restaurant and Lounge. Shortly after that move, she continued working for the Postal Service after working part time for many years in Pound’s post office. She worked in Salida, and later served as a Post Master in Buena Vista and Nathrop, Colorado. For years, she mentored other postal workers encouraging them to move up in their careers.
Carol loved to entertain, travel, camp, read, do puzzles, play cards and cook. Her love language was creating memorable holidays for her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Murphy was preceded in death by her husband; Dave, her sisters; Marjorie and Janet, her son-in-law; Frank, her great grandson; Daniel and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law.
Survivors are children; Patrick Murphy and Julie Lazrine of Salida, Ruth Murphy of Cape Carteret, North Carolina, Michael and Jennifer Murphy of Abilene, Texas, Peggy and Geoff Gerk of Howard, Kathy Murphy of Canon City, Shawn Wolf of Wheatridge, Grandchildren; Alisha and Nathan Plescher, Shanna and John Bennett, David Murphy, Logan and Tamsin Murphy, Hunter Murphy, Hayden and Abby Murphy, Tyler and Annie Gerk, Sam and Parker Gerk, Mitch Gerk and Julianna Wierimaa, Keri Jo and Brian Pruvost, Kyle Murphy and Megan Kelley, Amanda and Travis Hellwig, Adam and Ceslie Wolf, Sindra Wolf, and Jaquenette and Dan Jaramillo. She is further survived by her Great grandchildren; Lachlan and Liam Plescher, Claire and Finn Bennett, Callum Murphy, Addison, Callum and Greta Gerk, Rory Gerk, Murphy Jo and Joseph Pruvost, Kyler and Halo Jaramillo, Raelee, Ollie and Sage Wolf, In-laws; Mary Kapla, Rod and Marilyn Chell, many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Coleman, WI. at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Memorial Mass will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM. Following the Mass, burial of Carol and Dave’s ashes will take place in St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery in Pound, WI. A lunch will be served to celebrate Carol’s life at St. Anne’s following the service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Coleman is assisting the Carol J. Murphy family.
