Murphy, Mary Grace

Mary Grace Murphy of Oconto, Wisconsin went home to be with her Lord on February 16, 2026. She was born on May 27, 1955, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin and grew up in Cobb. Mary Grace graduated from Iowa-Grant High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and later obtained a master’s degree in teacher education from Viterbo University.

A lifelong educator, Mary Grace saw potential in every student who entered her classroom. After beginning her career in Iowa, she spent more than thirty-five years teaching in Oconto, first at Washington Junior High, followed by Jefferson Elementary School and then at Oconto Middle School. She brought a mix of fun and high standards to the classroom with emphasis on steadiness, kindness and respect. Her impact continues to be felt throughout the Oconto community through generations of former students, some of whom later became neighbors and dear friends. 

Beyond the classroom, Mary Grace was a cherished member of the Oconto community. She served as a board member of the Farnsworth Public Library, worked as an election poll worker, was a member of the Oconto County Historical Society, and was an active member of Oconto Gospel Chapel. She was also a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan. 

Mary Grace was a lover of movies, a voracious reader, a local theater actress, and the author of the three-book series Noshes Up North. Loved dearly by her family, friends, neighbors, and her much-loved dogs, Mary Grace lived a rich and meaningful life. In 1988, she married her love, Michael Murphy, and they shared years of love and laughter before his passing in 2002. She remained close to the Murphy family and maintained treasured lifelong friendships that were also like family to her. Everyone will miss her sharp wit, genuine laugh, sense of humor, and easygoing spirit.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Jeanne Luebke of Waconia, Minnesota; her brother, Jack (Pat) Vial of Linden, Wisconsin; her niece and goddaughter, Jara Tripiano; and her nephew, Kyle (Jill) Raisbeck. She is further survived by her brother-in-law Johnny Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Murphy; her parents, Robert and Maxine Vial; and her brother-in-law, Jon Luebke. She was also preceded in death by several members of the Murphy family including Mike’s siblings Timmy Murphy, Ricky Murphy, Barb McInnis, Sharon Luedtke, and Mary Hazelwood. 

Mary Grace’s Memorial Service will take place at the Oconto Gospel Chapel on April 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. Visitation begins at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to your local humane society in honor of Mary Grace’s love of dogs. 

Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home in Oconto is assisting the family