Michael Thomas Murphy

Michael Thomas Murphy, 71, of Red Wing, died Monday, September 14, 2026 on his way home from running errands. An apparent medical event caused Mike to swerve off Hwy 61 into a ditch, resulting in his death.

Mike was born March 12, 1955, in Red Wing to John “Pat” and Margaret (nèe Haynes) Murphy. His education in Red Wing began at Burnside Elementary School, and later, at Red Wing Central High School, class of 1973. For two years, Mike attended the college of St. Thomas in St. Paul, then he joined the United States Navy.

Michael married Nancy Aymond at the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing on June 26, 1976. They made it to their 50th anniversary! After nine years of proudly serving his country, Mike and Nancy moved back to Red Wing.

Mike enjoyed a more than 30-year career at the Xcel Nuclear plant on Prairie Island. He was so proud of having worked all those years, all those shifts, and never having any shut-down incidents while on duty. Mike was a union steward, and very active with AFL-CIO and IBEW 949.

Known as “Community Mike” he volunteered his time, energy, talent, and sound reinforcement for over 55 years. The organizations he helped included 4-H Arts In, Red Wing Art's Concerts in the Park, Goodhue County Historical Society, the Holiday Stroll, Leo C. Peterson American Legion, post 54, Father’s Day Phantom’s Car Show, Young Adults Association, Downtown Main Street, Girls on the Run, DFL, the Church of St. Joseph, the Anderson Center, the Environmental Learning Center, and many others.

Mike was an excellent musician. He played bass and keyboard by ear.

Mike is survived by his wife Nancy; mother, Margaret; brother, John (Juli); sister, Peggy (Mike) Nickel; brother, Dave (Nancy); sister, Patty Ann (Doug) Bush; nephew, Spencer Nickel; niece, Simone (Stephen) Sika; and many other Murphy nieces and nephews and all the amazing Aymond in-laws and their families.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Pat; his mother and father-in-law, Jean and George Aymond; sister-in-law, Cindy Aymond; brother-in-law, Chris Aymond; nephew, Chuck Nehring.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing with Father Jose Cortes presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Mike will be buried at Fort Snelling with full military honors on October 15, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Red Wing Food Shelf or any charity close to your heart. Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com