Maxine Murphy

     Maxine Ann Murphy was born on August 29, 1943, at her grandparent’s house in Schleswig, Iowa, to Francis “Butch” and LaRue (Keller) Quandt. She grew up in Schleswig and graduated in the Class of 1961. On February 19, 1966, Maxine was united in marriage to Thomas Murphy in Ida Grove, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Jim, Annette, and Suzy. Maxine was a devoted wife and mother. Her life was defined by her commitment to hard work and service, and she touched many lives along the way. She worked at the Dunlap Dairy Sweet, Your Treasure Chest, Denison Care Center, and Murphy's Lunch Wagon, among other small jobs including selling wicker baskets, seed sales, and catering. Maxine was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, devotedly serving as a Catholic Daughter, a member of the Altar Society, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

     Maxine’s presence outside of work deeply enriched the lives of those she cherished. Her home was filled with laughter, warmth, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and other baked goodies, lovingly made to bring smiles to those around her. She delighted in being surrounded by family and friends, treasuring every moment spent together. Whether she was sitting at a table playing euchre, texas hold’em, or poker, or enjoying an evening at the casino, she found joy in simple pleasures and in the company of others. Above all, Maxine’s heart belonged to her family. She found immense pride in her grandchildren’s school functions and in cheering them on through every milestone. Her gentle encouragement and boundless support for 4-H projects and at other events will be fondly remembered.

     Maxine died on Thursday, July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 24 days.

     Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Murphy in 2018; son, Jim Murphy in 1987; and brothers, Ron and Russ Quandt. She is survived by her daughters, Annette and her husband Richard Gross of Earling, Iowa and Suzy and her husband Rob King of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Steven Gross, Amber (Austin) Gehling, Emily Gross (Kelby Lasher), John King, Tom King, and Max (Andrea) King; one great grandchild arriving in December; siblings, Marge and her husband Dan Miller of Omaha, Nebraska and Dick Quandt and his wife Kathy of Schleswig; sisters-in-law, Eileen Quandt of Kiron, Iowa and Marilyn Murphy of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.