Margaret Ellen Murphy, 87, of Medford, died Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Our House Assisted Living in Medford surrounded by her family and while under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

 

She was born December 23, 1937 in Medford to Elmer and Grace (Clarkson) Anderson.  Following school, she and her siblings went to Chicago to find work and it was there she met her future husband Frank G. Murphy.

 

Margaret and Frank were married on August 17, 1957 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.  They resided in Chicago where Margaret managed a restaurant before moving to Columbus, Wisconsin in 1997.  While living in Columbus, she worked in the laundry department at the hospital.

 

Family was most important to Margaret, so when she and Frank retired, they moved back to Medford to be close to their grandchildren.  Margaret was so happy to be able to babysit, attend events and cook for the family.  She will be remembered for her fantastic meals, especially her homemade spaghetti and gravy made from scratch!  Each family member was treated with a special birthday meal to celebrate their day.

 

She will be dearly missed by her three children Jim (Linda) Murphy, Kelly (Todd) Emmerich, Frankie (Cher) Murphy, all of Medford; brothers, Walter (Norma) Anderson of Little Black, Russell (Cheryl) Anderson of Medford; grandchildren, Cullen (Audrey) Murphy of Houston, TX, Shawn (Blair) Meyer of Aniwa, Zach (Linsey) Emmerich of Owen, McKenna Murphy of Medford, Morgan (John) Stiglich) of Minneapolis, MN; step-grandchildren, Aren Kirkeeng of Stetsonville, Ethan Kirkeeng of Medford; great-grandchildren, Izan and Brextyn Aguilera, Murphy Jean Meyer and Ellie Hraby; and many nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Frank on July 6, 2020; brothers, Paul, Carl and Chester Anderson; sisters, Betty Bruton, Ruth Peterson, and Mary Sperl; and a grandson, Nick Murphy.

 

A  Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held from 1 – 7 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at BS Bar & Catering, W4782 Hwy. 64, Medford.