Michael C. Murphy

Michael Curtis Murphy, 63, Topeka, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the House at Midland Care, surrounded by his family. Mike was born October 15, 1953, in Topeka the son of Carl and Essie “Dottie” Dodge Murphy. Mike graduated from Hayden Catholic High School in 1971. In 1975, Mike married the love of his life, Colleen Peppersack in Seneca. They enjoyed 41 wonderful years together. She survives. He worked for the Kansas Department of Education as the director of auditing and retired in June of 2015. Mike earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Washburn University in 2001. He was in charge of the Hayden Catholic High School Wildcats’ official scorebook for the past 15 years and was also Hayden’s clock and scoreboard operator in football for 17 seasons. Mike was one of Hayden’s biggest fans and was always present cheering on his beloved Wildcats. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2608. Mike was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Colleen Murphy, of the home; children, Brian Joseph Murphy (Heather Dawn), Portland OR, Brenda Jo Kelsey (Sean), Topeka and Allison Eileen Murphy (Sarah Zamaitis), Independence MO; four grandchildren, Gwendolyn Rose Murphy, Eleanor Faye Murphy, Oliver James Kelsey and Vanessa Anne Kelsey; brothers, Will Murphy (Rita), Kirbyville TX and James Murphy, Topeka; brother-in-law, Kenley Engel, Arlington TX; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Josephine Engel and granddaughter, Rebecca Faye Kelsey. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, with a rosary led by the Knights of Columbus following at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Athletic Department at Hayden Catholic High School, sent in care of the funeral home.

Michael C. Murphy

October 15, 1953 - March 23, 2017