Edward M. Murphy
Edward M. Murphy
Edward M. Murphy, a 32-year resident of SaddleBrooke, passed away peacefully on May 23, just two weeks after his 94th birthday. Ed was born and raised in Berwyn, Ill., the youngest of three kids. In his youth, Ed can only be described as a “handful” for his parents. His father, Ed Sr., once told us that the only time Ed ever wore a suit was when he had a court date. Ed was a gifted athlete and played basketball for Morton High School. Unfortunately, he was caught smoking by the coach and unceremoniously kicked off the team. This event led to his decision to end his academic career. Shortly thereafter Ed enlisted in the Army and ended up being stationed in Berlin, Germany.
The structure in the Army seemed to do him a world of good. His athletic prowess led to Ed representing the 3rd Infantry Division as a member of the football team known as the “Berlin Bears.” He later served in Korea where he made Sergeant and saw action as a tank commander. Upon returning home to Berwyn, Ed was invited to a dance by a girl he’d met before he left for Germany. When he arrived at the dance the girl introduced him to two of her friends, one being Mary L. Mlady. As luck would have it, she turned out to be the love of his life and led to 69 wonderful years of marriage. They settled down in Wheaton, Ill., where Ed found work by talking his way on to a construction crew telling the foreman he was a carpenter. It was soon discovered that he didn’t know much about carpentry at the time, but they decided to keep him on because he out-worked everyone else on the crew. Ed quickly developed into a skilled carpenter and was running crews of his own in no time.
Before long Ed decided he wanted to be his own boss and started Edward M. Murphy Builders with Mary as his business partner running the office. They somehow found time to have and raise five nearly perfect children. Ed wasn’t what you would call hands on, when it came to parenting, however he did lead by example and taught all of his kids the value of hard work along with the importance of using common sense. Ed was a very likable guy. You couldn’t drive around Wheaton with him in his powder blue El Camino without him waving at everyone he passed. Ed and Mary often enjoyed entertaining friends and family in their home. Some of their parties were legendary.
Living in the suburbs, Ed discovered the game of golf, which he enjoyed when he managed to find time to play. He tended to muscle his way around the golf course, but he excelled at reading and making putts, which made him a guy who could post a low number. During his building career Ed also served on the board of the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association and organized numerous golf trips with the group. Ed and Mary loved to travel, usually to warm locales like Mexico and Hawaii to escape the Midwest winters. Once the kids were out on their own, Ed and Mary fulfilled a dream by moving to Naperville and joining Cress Creek Country Club. By then they were both avid golfers and had more time to play. They bought a house on the course and really got into the whole country club lifestyle.
In 1992 they happily retired to SaddleBrooke and continued the country club life playing lots of golf and enjoying dinner and drinks out with new friends and neighbors. Ed was also very active in the community volunteering on numerous committees for the HOA, including Property and Roads, and ALC. He was also called in to advise on many building projects within the community.
Ed will be remembered often and missed dearly by friends and family near and far. Ed was predeceased by Mary in 2023. He is survived by his five kids and their spouses, Mike (Donna), Tim (Sue), Kevin (Sue), Maureen Evans (Bob), PJ (Jennifer), as well as nine grandchildren, four great–grandchildren and one on the way in December. A memorial took place in Wheaton, Ill.
Marilyn Ann Nevins
Marilyn Ann Nevins
Marilyn Ann Nevins passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, after a battle with Parkinson’s. Up until the end Marilyn maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, and her love of family and friends. Marilyn was born on Jan. 29, 1941, to Eleanor and Jerry Gottschalk in Hays, Kan. Marilyn was the second of five children. She is survived by her siblings Gary Gottschalk, Kim Gottschalk, Karen Ryser, and Kurt Gottschalk. Marilyn is also survived by her children David Nevins, Kris Patten, and Jill Barrett, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was dearly loved by her family, friends, and those who cared for her. She will be missed by all.