Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy, age 39, died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at his home.

Ryan James Murphy was born on April 29, 1980 in Winona, the son of Mike and Pam (Anderson) Murphy. He grew up in the Cannon Falls area, graduating from CFHS in 1998. Following high school Ryan attended Rochester Community College (well, he attended when it suited him. He did not receive credit but did accrue a small school loan; he made many friends). He trained and worked as an electrician until he began work at a local tree service, which he bought about ten years ago, and became Murphy’s Tree Service.

On March 8, 2014, Ryan was united in marriage to Melissa Perez under a big oak tree in his parents’ backyard. Murph was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He loved sports, especially basketball. He coached football, volleyball, and soccer. He also loved reading. He could often be found atop his Conservative political soapbox. He attended Spring Garden Lutheran Church and was on the Cannon Falls Education Foundation Board. Murph’s children were precious to him and he so loved being a dad.

To describe Ryan is the greatest challenge. How can you put someone like him on paper? Storyteller, comedian, loyal to a fault, intelligent, kind, with the quickest wit. He was never without a smart reply. To be in his circle meant you were family.  He helped many people in the community through his volunteerism and business. When not working, his favorite place was their home on 75 acres, he proudly called his “Sovereign Nation”.  Ryan, Melissa, and his children spent countless hours in the woods and their shop, building and making plans. He had so many plans.  He loved to travel, especially to the ocean. He and Melissa had planned to spend her 40 ^th birthday in Turks and Caicos this month. He loved Spanish Wells and wanted his entire family to spend Christmas there together.  He found an incredibly strong partner in Melissa, who will carry on his tradition and live out his life plans.

Survivors include his wife Melissa, children Reagan, Knox, and Nash; parents Pam and Mike Murphy of Cannon Falls, brother Joe (Sara) Murphy of Rosemount; sister Megan (Tyler) Griffith of North Mankato; nieces and nephews Mason, Christian, Griffin, Jace, Lyla, and Tate; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, his cousin Zach Anderson, and his favorite dog, Willy.

Funeral services will be on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11:00 am, at Spring Garden Lutheran Church, 10239 Co. 1, Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There will be a visitation at the church on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 4-8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Lundberg Funeral Home of Cannon Falls is assisting the family.