John P. Murphy, 75, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, at his home in Austin.

John Patrick Murphy was born July 2, 1943, in Austin, the son of Laurence W. and Agnes (Svejkovsky) Murphy. John attended school in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1961, and then attended Illinois State University before transferring to Mankato State University, where he studied business. After completing his education, John served with the Minnesota National Guard for several years. After returning to Austin, John was the owner of the North Main Liquor Store for a few years before beginning his employment with Hormel Foods, where he worked as foreman in the gelatin department. On Feb. 21, 1970, he was united in marriage to Susan Kay Earl at the First Congregational Church. The couple made their home in Austin, where they raised two daughters. After his employment at Hormel, John served as manager of Holiday Cars. He was a member of the First Congregational Church. He loved cars and sports, including baseball, attending many Minnesota Twins Games with friends. In his later years he enjoyed basketball, where he often attended and cheered on the Austin Packers basketball team. John was a history buff, especially the Civil War, and enjoyed reading non-fiction as well as newspapers to stay up to date with current affairs. He was a family man and appreciated time spent with his grandsons. John was also a music lover and attended many concerts with his family, including the Moody Blues.

Survivors include his wife, Susan K. Murphy of Austin; two daughters, Jennifer (Steve) Johnson and Jill (Tony) Rollie, all of Austin; four grandchildren, Gage Johnson, Ethan Johnson, John Rollie and Adam Rollie; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91.

Memorials are preferred to The Hormel Institute or Mower County Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.