Joyce E. Murphy

Joyce Elaine (Klein) Murphy, 91, of Lewiston, MN, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at her home.

Joyce was born on August 30, 1933, in Lake City, MN, to Ernest and Caroline (Anderson) Klein. She had five brothers, and in 1951, Joyce graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City. On September 22, 1951, Joyce was united in marriage with James Murphy, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City. They had nine children.

In March 1963, they moved to Winona, MN, and joined Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wilson, MN. Joyce and Jim farmed most of their lives together and ran the Winona County Landfill for many years. Joyce also worked for about ten years at Lamberton Assisted Living and also for about six years at Have a Heart Adult Foster Care.

Joyce and Jim travelled both across the US and outside of the country. They took many camping trips creating wonderful memories with family and friends. After 53 years of marriage, Jim passed away on December 12, 2004.

Her family was the most important thing in Joyce’s life. She had nine children, 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was very loving and made everyone feel welcome in her home. Feeding nine children three meals a day would be daunting enough, but friends and extended family were regulars and welcome at her table. Joyce also loved gardening, flowers, oil painting and crocheting. Many family and friends have been gifted one of her beautiful paintings. She was also always active in her church and belonged to the Red Hat Society for many years.

Joyce is survived by her children: Pat (Joni) Murphy, Kathy (Jerry) Olson, Debbie (John) Yackel, Jim Murphy, Mike (Lori) Murphy, Mark Murphy, Scott (Jana) Murphy, Jeff (Jill) Murphy and Larry Murphy; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Klein; and sisters-in-law: Jean Reinhard, Joyce Klein and Margaret Klein.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Caroline; husband, Jim; four brothers: Emery, Delmar, Ronnie and Gary; and two grandchildren: Jordan Murphy and Jacie Murphy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona, with visitation being held in the Church Commons from 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Father Russell Scepaniak will officiate.

Joyce will be laid to rest at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Wilson, MN.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Joyce’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.