Thomas Matthew Murphy

To watch a recording of the Visitation on Sunday night, please use the link: https://youtu.be/3K73nIAQWI4
To watch a recording of the Memorial Service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/-C3fUj19gS0 

Thomas M. Murphy, 76, of Manvel, North Dakota, died Saturday, September 7, 2024, at his home.

Tom was born to Gerald and Betty (Burckhard) Murphy in Grand Forks, North Dakota. After graduating from Central High School, he worked for Knudson Farms. Tom enlisted in the United States Army, served honorably with the 3rd Platoon of Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment assigned to the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam war. He received these awards during his military career: The Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Medal (with two bronze service stars); US Air Medal; US Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Upon being honorably discharged, Tom continued working for Knudson farms before becoming a Correctional Officer with Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Department. In 1977, he began his career as a law enforcement officer for the Grand Forks Police Department. Tom served the city of Grand Forks for over 31 years, achieving the rank of Detective Sergeant. Tom was the recipient of the Sgt. Wayne “Andy” Anderson Meritorious Service Award in 2008. After his retirement from the city, he accepted a position with UND Aerospace as an Airplane Dispatcher. He held this position at the time of his death.

Tom was united in marriage to Tes Weekes on June 24, 1983, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Manvel. They made their home in Manvel before moving to East Grand Forks, Minnesota. After the flood of 1997, they returned to Manvel.

Tom loved to work. He enjoyed farming, dabbling with painting pictures, metal detecting, crossword puzzles and trivia. He loved playing and watching hockey. One of his greatest joys after retirement was riding his Harley! Tom was a master of one-line zingers, giving his friends and family a “hard time” and his good dad jokes. He truly cherished his time with his children and grandchildren; showing them how to do things and even learning a few interesting things about technology along the way.

Tom will be missed by his loving wife of 41 years, Tes Weekesmurphy; son Matt (Desiree) Murphy; daughters: Megan (Mike) Wood, and Molly (Jeremiah) Epps; nine grandchildren: Jack Murphy, Flynn Wood, Peyton Murphy, Carson Wood, Brooke Murphy, Waylon Wood, Emmett Epps, Lacey Epps and Devin Wood, sister Karen (Jim) Miller, brother-in-law Butch Braaten; nieces: Erin (Wade) Stadstad, Jennie (Danny) Huffman and Whitney Miller; nephews: Marshall Braaten and Ben Miller.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe Murphy, and sisters: Mary Helen Murphy and Kathy Murphy Braaten.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Amundson Funeral Home with Rosary at 6:30 p.m., followed by the prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Manvel, North Dakota. In lieu of flowers (due to allergies), memorials may be given in memory of Tom.