MSGT Patrick Joseph Murphy

Retired Master Sergeant Patrick Joseph Murphy passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Pat was born on May 28, 1952, to the late John E. Murphy Sr. and Mary M. (Schewgel) Murphy. Raised in the St. Joseph, Minnesota area, he developed a strong sense of duty, hard work, and service that would guide him throughout his life. Pat proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, beginning at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico, where he found his calling in crash and fire rescue. He later served during the Vietnam War while stationed in Thailand. His military career carried him across the globe, serving on five continents and at numerous duty stations worldwide. Through unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant while protecting lives through fire protection, emergency response, and disaster readiness Pat also served with the 934th Airlift Wing of the United States Air Force Reserve in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his distinguished career, he supported Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and numerous other missions. He retired in December 2006 after more than 30 years of honorable military service under eight Presidents of the United States. While living in Virginia, Pat became an active member of American Legion Post 1799 in Haymarket, where he was always willing to lend a helping hand and support fellow veterans. Beyond his military service, Pat was a dedicated weather enthusiast, an avid baseball fan and coach, and a proud volunteer with the Stearns County Community Emergency Response Team. On September 9, 1972, Pat married Gloria Hinricher. Together they shared more than five decades of love, partnership, and cherished memories. Pat is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 54 years, Gloria Murphy; his daughter, Angela Kralik, of Jeffersonton, Virginia; his son, Allen "AJ" Murphy and son-in-law Dominic of Vernon Hills, Illinois; and his treasured grandchildren, John Patrick Kralik, USAF, and Katharine Kralik, both of Haymarket, Virginia. He is also survived by his grand dogs, Avery and Max. He leaves behind his siblings: Mary Kay Brixius (Andy) of St. Joseph, Minnesota; Robert Murphy (Zita) of Avon, Minnesota; Brian Murphy (Robbin) of St. Joseph, Minnesota; Peggy Murphy of St. Joseph, Minnesota; and Daniel Murphy of St. Joseph, Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Murphy Sr. and Mary Murphy; his sisters Sharon (Murphy) Bischoff and Colleen Murphy-Cooney; his brother John E. Murphy Jr.; his infant sister Joanie; his brother-in-law Mike Bischoff; and his beloved grand dog, Grey. Throughout his life, Pat was known for his unwavering dedication, strength of character, and commitment to both family and country. His many years of military service reflected a deep sense of duty, honor, and pride. He was a pillar of kindness who always looked for the good in others and generously gave his time to help those in need. His steady presence, warm spirit, and enduring love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the UVA Health Center in Haymarket, VA Critical Care Unit for their unwavering dedication and care to Pat. A Celebration of Life will be held in both Haymarket, Virginia and St. Cloud, Minnesota at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation in Pat's honor.

MSGT Patrick Joseph Murphy

May 28, 1952 - June 30, 2026