Dennis George Murphy

Dennis George Murphy of Harrison, Nebraska, died Nov. 7, 2023, at Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with his loving family by his side. Memorial services will be in Harrison, Nebraska at Sioux County High School on March 11 at 2 p.m. (MT). Burial will be at the National Veterans Cemetery in Omaha on March 23 at 2 p.m. (CT).

Dennis was born to John and Clara Murphy on March 11, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the third of six children.

After attending Holy Family Catholic Grade School, Dennis graduated from Omaha Tech High School in 1960. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Dennis served in the Navy for four years of active duty, 1960-64, and two years reserve, 1964-66. He had a fond memory of his time in the Navy and had many stories of the different places he visited during his military career.

Upon being discharged and returning to Omaha, Dennis began working at Omaha’s branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. While working at the bank, he met Marilyn Nigro. The couple married and welcomed their son, Michael Anthony Murphy, in 1970. They later divorced in 1975.

Dennis enjoyed his job at the bank, but longed for an occupation where he could enjoy the outdoors. He eventually started his own business, Murphy Lawn Care. He worked multiple lawn care jobs before becoming a fulltime groundskeeper for Christ The King Catholic Church in Omaha.

While working at Christ the King, he met his wife of 31 years, Sandy Struble Murphy. They married in 1992 and moved to Harrison, Nebraska, in 1994. To this union, two sons, Jake Dennis and John McClellan, were born.

In Harrison, Dennis became the Sioux County Weed Superintendent and fulfilled those duties until he retired in 2004. He enjoyed retirement by serving the community of Harrison in different positions. He greatly enjoyed being on the village boards, eventually serving as mayor. Dennis was also active with the Sioux County School Board and was quartermaster of VFW Post 7970.

In 2013, Dennis began working part-time as a relief driver for RD-Eagle Transports, delivering mail to local communities. He loved driving the route and delivering sweets to local post offices on Saturday mornings.

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, Dennis was hit by a drunk driver shortly after starting his morning route. The injuries sustained in the accident eventually led to his passing.

Dennis loved cooking for his family and their friends, cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, horse racing, fishing, and most importantly, the Lord.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Charlie Haas, his brothers Jack and Pat, and sister-in-law Peggy.

Dennis is survived by his wife Sandy; sons Michael, Jake (Rachel), and John; brothers Jim (Jo) and Mike (Ginger); his sister Mary Bickels (Ben); sister-in-law Laurie and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.