Thomas P. Murphy, D.V.M.

Nov. 13, 1925-June 16, 2004

ST. JAMES, Minn -- Dr. Thomas P. Murphy, 78, of St. James. Minn., died Wednesday, June 16, at Immanuel-St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, Minn.

Thomas Patrick Murphy, the son of Thomas Henry and Julia Catherine (Scott) Murphy, was born Nov. 13, 1925, in Greeley where he spent his youth and graduated from Greeley Catholic High School.

He entered the United States Army Feb. 2, 1944. Following his honorable discharge March 14, 1946, Tom moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he attended Colorado State University, studying veterinary medicine.

He worked as a veterinarian in McCook for 17 years.

Tom married Leora (Norman) Confer June 17, 1969. He adopted Leora's three children April 14, 1970. They moved to Dubuque, Iow, in 1972, where he worked as USDA Inspector at Dubuque Meats. They moved to St. James in 1976 where he was the Plant and Health Inspector for Butterfield Foods, retiring in 1987.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degrees. Tom and Leora enjoyed square and round dancing, and he enjoyed time spent with his grandsons, nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife, Leora of St. James; daughters, Monica Fischer and her husband, Kevin of Butterfield, Minn., Dorinda Wehde and her husband, Tim of St. James, Minn.; three grandsons, Jason and Aaron Fischer and Kilian Wehde; brothers, Gerald Murphy and his wife, Phyllis of Greeley, Colo., Richard Murphy of Niobrara; sister-in-law, Bonnie Murphy of Waverly; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a son Dirk Murphy; brothers, James, John and Raymond Murphy; and sister, Kathryn Beyer.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 21, 2004 at St. James Catholic Church in St. James. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Sunday and 8 to 10 a.m. Monday at Pease Funeral Home in St. James. A parish prayer service was scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Visitation in McCook is Wednesday morning 8:30-10:30 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Graveside services will follow at 11 a.m., at Calvary Cemetery with Father Gary Brethour officiating.

Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.