Steven J. Murphy

Steven Joseph Murphy, 62, of Rochester, passed away on October 29, 2018 after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Visitation is Friday, November 2, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the Memorial Service on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester. Burial will follow at a later date. Steve was born to Robert and Mary (Lillie) Murphy on September 19, 1956 in Wabasha, MN. After graduating in 1975 from Plainview High School, he enrolled in the Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Program at Red Wing Vocational School. His first job was at Tem-trol/Minnesota Air in Minneapolis at the parts counter working his way to parts department manager. He moved on as a commercial project manager to Flare Heating & A/C in Golden Valley. In 1987 he purchased a HVAC/R company in Owatonna, MN; eventually opening a branch in Rochester, which is known as Tonna Mechanical today. In 1980, Steve married Melodee Mertz whom he met at his first city desk job. He is survived by his wife, Melodee and their three children; Patrick (Sara) of Rochester and their four children Jonas, Micah, Elsie and Huey; Christen (Jordan) Kiemele of Phoenix; Katherine of Minneapolis. He also survived by siblings Craig Murphy of Rapid City; Julie (Bill) Schierts of Lake City; Tami (Scott) Jones of Prior Lake; Terri Murphy of Kellogg; and Tracy Murphy of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents. Over the years Steve had many hobbies and developed many friendships at church, while boating, building computers, geocaching, four wheeling, bicycling and most recently taking photos of trains and nature. He loved his grandchildren beyond measure and spending time with them and their happiness was one of his greatest joys. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Salvation Army or Seasons Hospice of Rochester. Melodee and children thank the Mayo Oncology Department, the wonderful care teams of Eisenberg Oncology Desk 4-3 and 4-4 and Seasons Hospice. You were angels unaware. May the Lord bless you for your devotion and care for hurting people. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600