Philip J. Murray

Philip J. Murray, 80, of La Crosse, died peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at home surrounded by family. He was born on August 5, 1944, in La Crosse, to John and Mary (Leinfelder) Murray. He married Sheila George on March 26, 1966, at Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Phil was a man always trying to find and share his strong connection to his Catholic faith. He was a very talented woodworker, painter, and jewelry maker. He loved going on family trips, spending time in Hayward, WI, golfing and fishing, and was a car enthusiast. He could carry a meaningful conversation with anyone and enjoyed a good banter. For 33 years he taught elementary, middle, and high school art, teaching drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, art history, and metals. He graduated from Aquinas class of 1962. He loved his time at St. John’s University and graduated with his master’s from Winona State. He influenced a lot of students, friends and family in his teaching.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheila; children Philip (Amy), Jennifer (Benjamin) Johnson, and Patrick (Erin); grandchildren Emily (Bryce) Hembrook, Jonathan Murray, Allison Murray, Jacob Murray, Josephine Johnson, Lucas Johnson, Keelin Murray, Peter Murray, Kiara Murray, and Saoirse Murray, and one great-granddaughter, Kora Hembrook. He is also survived by his sister Anne (Bill Wegmiller) Breidel, brother-in-law, Michael (Barbara) George, sister-in-law Bonnie Murray, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Peter, sister Mary (Michael) Kleinschmidt, brothers John and Steve Murray.

The family would like to say a special thanks to all the caregivers, especially Charmaine and Mayo Clinic hospice nurses and so many others who visited, helped, and took such great care of Phil.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 130 Losey Blvd. South. Rev Sam McCarty will officiate with entombment to take place in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at Church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blessed Sacrament Parish or La Crosse Aquinas High School.