Murphy, MichaelMichael James Murphy, age 79, died peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2016 at Oak Ridge Gardens Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born on March 27, 1937 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to the late Jack and Mary (Stepman) Murphy. He married Celia Swiecichowski on March 28, 1998 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oshkosh. Michael attended Oconto High School, after graduation, he worked at Western Printing in Racine and then joined the Marine Corps. He received his Masters Degree from The University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; he was a school teacher and taught in the Milwaukee area and Oshkosh, South Park Middle School. Mike belonged to The Elks Lodge #292, Oshkosh. He also worked for Lederly Drug selling pharmaceuticals and owned The Arena Diner, near Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Upon retiring from teaching, Mike worked for Community First Credit Union. Michael was retired for 22 years. He loved to golf, have fun and he had a great sense of humor. Family was very important to him. He loved holiday get-togethers, entertaining and especially cookouts. He was a Packer-Badger Backer, Packer Tailgates were special; he was the grill master. Mike liked his Kesslers, cigars, and was a true Irishman. Michael is survived by his wife of 18 years, Celia, his son, John (Sue) Soleski, daughters; Maureen (Tom) Ward and Laureen (Michael) Nelson, grandchildren; Tyler (Jill) Morin, Casey (Lauren) Morin, Zach (Caitlin) Morin, Dominic (Lindsay) Renteria, Astee Renteria, Billie Jo Sabel, Kaitlin Soleski and Mike Nelson Jr., great grandchildren; Lola Morin and Vincent Renteria. He is further survived by two sisters, Pat Rodgers and Sis Jessogne, sisters in law, Phyllis Murphy and Sandy Murphy, brothers in law, Dick Medd and Charlie Pollock, as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.He is preceded in death by brothers; Jack, Bill and Jerry Murphy, sisters; Mugs Pollock and Tootie Medd, brothers in law; Russ Jessogne and Mel Rodgers, and nephews; Mike Rodgers and John Jessogne.The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St, Appleton, with Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Friday, December 9, 2016 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St, Appleton with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm. The visitation will continue on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10:00am, at the church until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being set up for St. Bernard Church and Holy Trinity Church, Oconto.Michaels family extends a special thank you to all the caregivers and staff at Oak Ridge Gardens for the loving, wonderful care they gave Michael and his family. Affinity Hospice, a special thank you too."Science moves, but slowly, slowly, creeping on from point to point….Yet I doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs, and the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns…Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers." -Lord Alfred Tennyson