Stephen Matthew Murphy, age 70, of Jefferson, Iowa passed away on February 26, 2025, from a head injury sustained from fall.
Steve was born on January 3, 1955, in Carroll, IA, the 5th of 7 children born to Leo and Regina (Fitzpatrick) Murphy. Growing up surrounded by other large families like his own, he appreciated his neighbors, his town, the shared experiences, and friends.
A member of the Class of 1973, Steve graduated from Jefferson Community High School. He went on to agricultural studies in college as well as honing auto mechanical skills and portrait photography, often portraying his family in 8 x 10. He was a great supporter of local artist Roy Burgess and collected and housed a number of Roy’s artworks.
Leaving Iowa, he became an itinerant adventurer until settling in San Jose, CA where he had a career as a metro bus driver.
Upon his retirement, Steve returned to Greene County, and with his entrepreneurial spirit, began a second career as a residential real estate investor. Steve loved to rehabilitate older houses and had a big impact on the availability and affordability of rental homes in Jefferson, Scranton, and Grand Junction. He formed friendships with many of his tenants.
Steve relished the “Murphy sense of humor” and enjoyed storytelling. Loving to laugh and to look on the bright side of life, he would make a phone call eager to share a joke or a funny story. Several dogs found the perfect home when they came to live with Steve, and he was greatly comforted after his fall when he was assured that his Maggie Mae and Paisley were being cared for.
Steve had many friends— never met a stranger and treasured a lifelong relationship with his shirttail cousin, Jeremy Springer, with whom he was particularly close. His true friend and business associate Tim Wilson sat at his bedside in his final hours.
Steve will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. He will be missed by his siblings: Margaret Murphy, Dan (Carla) Murphy, David Murphy, and Martha (Kevin) Helin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dennis; sister Mary Jo; sisters-in-law, Pat, and Lina; and brother-in-law Steve Bock.
A family inurnment is planned for a later date.
