Gary R. “Murph” Murphy

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BYRON – Gary R. “Murph” Murphy, age 64, died Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Mercy Health Center in Rockford. He was born April 6, 1952 in Rockford, Illinois the son of William Richard and Opal (Herzfeldt) Murphy.
He graduated from Byron High School class of 1970. Gary also attended the University of Iowa and received a degree in Engineering. He also was a substitute teacher. He was a longtime member of Operator’s Union Local # 150. He always enjoyed hiking, back packing and loved to get together with friends to play cards. Gary was always there to help others in their time of need. You could not ask for a better friend. Last, but not least, Gary was a die hard Packer’s fan. He especially enjoyed it when they beat the Bears.  Even though he had many health problems in the later stages of his life, he was a fighter and kept a positive outlook on life. He was a longtime member of the  Byron Masonic Lodge # 274. He was predeceased by his parents.
Survied by his many friends including special friends Terry Palmer, Dawn Fisher, Dawn and Julie Wetzel, and the Gene Miller family.
Funeral service was 3 p.m., Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St. in Byron with the Rev. Randy Snider pastor of Cornerstone Church of Byron officiating.  A Masonic Service followed. Visitation prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Byron with the Rev. Howard Barch of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron officiating. A memorial fund is established in Gary’s name for the Kidney Foundation.