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Edward Murphy
December 18, 1980 - September 12, 2019

Edward “Eddie” Murphy, 38, of Oelwein passed away Thursday September 12, 2019 at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, Arkansas surrounded by his family. Visitation will be at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home on Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 3-7 PM with memorial services beginning at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to the family and will be used to create the Edward John Murphy Scholarship.

Edward John Murphy was born December 18th, 1980. He was brought home and presented proudly to his siblings in a red Christmas stocking lined with gold. As a toddler and pretty much the rest of his life Edward or Eddie John as his parents called him, was a gentle caring soul.  Being the youngest and sweetest child of Mitch and Teresa, he was their pride and joy. Young Eddie John loved to eat Cheerio’s in the nude and annoy his older siblings, always wanting to be included. He was known for “tattling” on his siblings, but soon grew out of that after numerous “talking to’s” from his brother and sister. None the less, Eddie was known to everyone as a sweet and gentle child, and that trait would follow him throughout his, as we know now, short but memorable life. 

As Eddie grew, he found that he had a talent and love for drama and demonstrated this in school plays throughout his years in the Oelwein School District. Before long Eddie was the only Murphy child left at home.  With Tony in the Marine Corps and Jeannie gone, Ed had run of the Murphy home. “He was the perfect child” his mother was quoted as saying much to the dismay of his siblings. As he grew, Ed spent most of his time with his friends. Rumor has it that he was the very first person to slide down the brand-new water slide in Oelwein when he and an anonymous friend broke in and slid down the slide with no water on it. “It took forever to scoot down that slide” said the anonymous friend, but Eddie did it with a smile on his face. Eddie was in a lot of plays, made a lot of people laugh, and even made a couple three pointers for his dad before graduating Oelwein Senior High School in 1999.

Once Eddie graduated, he headed West to California with the same anonymous friend to embark on a journey of a lifetime that would cover most of the United States. Over the next 20 years, Eddie would be an actor, professional wrestler, comedian, personal trainer, salesman, impressionist, philosopher and a full-time pit-bull activist. He was known as Ian McMurphy on the professional wrestling circuit and 1/2 of the tag team “The Irish Assassin’s” with his brother Tony. Along the way, Eddie built friendships from California to Chicago all the way down to Florida that will outlast his lifetime, teaching people love and compassion rarely seen in today’s society.

Eddie was a charismatic gentleman that treated everyone with respect. He had the kind of personality that allowed him to function inside any group of friends. Eddie could do a perfect impression of Christopher Walken, cook like Gordon Ramsey and debate you politically…and if you gave him control of the radio, he would take you on the most eclectic musical ride of your life. He was a lover of movies and could quote them all verbatim. All of these traits made him the life of every party and an all-around entertaining fellow. Rumor has it that after meeting wresting legend Jake the Snake Roberts, he wooed the wrestling legends daughter with a double bicep pose and a "Nature Boy Wooo".

Eddie passed away suddenly on September 12th, 2019 at 3:48 AM due to an undiagnosed inoperable brain tumor that was discovered after a seizure.

Eddie was preceded in death by his Grandparents Bill and Jean Murphy on his father’s side and Fred and Marlys Alessio on his mother’s side.

Eddie is survived by his mother and father Mitch and Teresa Murphy of Oelwein, big sister Jeannie of Cedar Rapids, and big brother Tony and wife Brittin along with their two boys Colton and Jaxon of Fayetteville, Arkansas, as well as many other loving family members and friends.  And of course, Molly, his dog and companion until the end. Eddie was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and the best uncle his two nephews, Colton and Jaxon, could ask for.

Statistic’s say that a brain tumor like Eddie’s is 1 in a million, which is only fitting because Eddie was exactly this…..one in a million. He was the best of all of us and is gone way too soon.

 

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Tom and Mary Feltes on September 14, 2019 at 5:01 PM said:

Mitch and Teresa, so sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in our prayers.
Loren and Sue Corcoran on September 14, 2019 at 4:39 PM said:

Very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news of Yor son's passing. He sounded like one a wonderful person. We are so sorry.
Tracy Baumgartner Carlson on September 14, 2019 at 4:08 PM said:

So sorry for your loss!!!
Tracy Baumgartner Carlson on September 14, 2019 at 4:08 PM said:

So sorry for your loss!!!
Connie Sanford Fowlkes on September 14, 2019 at 3:22 PM said:

My deepest condolence to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Connie Sanford Fowlkes on September 14, 2019 at 3:22 PM said:

My deepest condolence to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Anonymous on September 14, 2019 at 3:22 PM said:

Sincere condolences from the Huebner clan cousins.
I’m sure I met this young fella at a Murphy reunion in Dunlap, Iowa.
Grandfather Bill Murphy was very proud to introduce him to my mom...Joan Murphy Huebner.
Pat Huebner.
Cathy Martin on September 14, 2019 at 3:07 PM said:

I am guessing the family could add to the obit with stories they will hear along the path grief gives them. It’s a light- hearted obit.. and probably the best therapy of humor for all. One in a million is great odds to pole-vault to heaven vs. a lifetime of hit and miss prevention trials. May God bless the entire family as they filter through his celebration of life.. cut short.?
Kurt and Mary Lou Cosselman on September 14, 2019 at 1:57 PM said:

Our heartfelt sympathy during this time of such great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Megan & Sarah Fischer & Debbie Winter on September 14, 2019 at 1:52 PM said:

We were so heart broken to hear this news. Thinking of Eddie's family and friends. He certainly touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Roger and Bobbi Polark on September 14, 2019 at 1:39 PM said:

Mitch and Teresa, Roger and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your son Eddie. From the article he seemed like a wonderful young man. We will keep you in our prayers.
Ken and Brittney Magsamen on September 14, 2019 at 1:15 PM said:

Our condolences. It is wonderful Eddie left you with all of these great memories... Cherish them. Eddie is proof that the saying only the good die young is unfortunately the case. Godspeed Eddie.
Colleen Roling Brownworth on September 14, 2019 at 12:31 PM said:

My heart goes out to the entire Murphy family. This tribute is the best obituary I have ever read. Although I didn't know Eddie, it really showed his beautiful fun personality. My deepest sympathies to Teresa, Mitch, Tony & Jeannie, Candi, Jill & Kelly.
Dana, Diann, Dustin & Derek Smith on September 13, 2019 at 3:28 PM said:

So sorry for your loss. Eddie was such a fun loving guy! God's blessings to all of you.
Doug and Debbie Nuss on September 13, 2019 at 12:51 PM said:

So sorry for your loss! Our sincere condolences are with you and your family! May the Lord be with you all!

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