Helen Marie Murphy

Helen Murphy, 73, of Eagan, MN, formerly of Larimore, ND and East Grand Forks, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on January 31, 2025. Helen Marie Rowerdink was born on June 5th, 1951, to Cornelius and Winnie Rowerdink in Strasburg, ND. After graduating from Strasburg High School, she continued her studies at the University of North Dakota where she earned both her undergraduate degree (early childhood, elementary education, and speech pathology/audiology) and master's degrees (early childhood special education) from UND. It was there that she met Charlie Murphy of Larimore, ND; they were married December 20, 1970. Helen and Charlie moved to the Murphy family farm in 1974 where they raised their two sons, Jake and Matt. Helen taught kindergarten in Michigan, ND before working for many years in Crookston, MN teaching kindergarten & early childhood special education until her retirement after more than 40 years of teaching. In 2017, Helen and Charlie moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to their three grandchildren. Helen adored her childhood with her siblings in Strasburg and spoke frequently of her summers as a lifeguard at the local pool. Her passion for teaching kindergarten and special education was a driving force in her life; she made an impact in many young lives. Helen always had food ready for Jake and Matt's friends in Larimore and loved having all their friends over at the house. Helen and Charlie were married for 49 years before Charlie passed in 2020. Helen missed Charlie deeply. In retirement, Helen's hobbies centered around being a superfan at her grandchildren's sports and events. She especially loved making gingerbread houses with Maggie during the holidays, watching Timberwolves and Twins games with Kelton, and cooking with Merritt. Helen is survived by her sons, Jake Murphy of Eagan, MN, and Matthew (Laura) Murphy of Minneapolis; sister Nyla (Sid) Herrick of Litchfield, MN, brother John Rowerdink of Pinehurst, NC, and twin sister Susan Rowerdink of New London, MN; grandchildren Maggie, Kelton, and Merritt Murphy; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie and her parents. Visitation will be held Thursday the 13th of February from 4-6p.m. at Washburn-McReavy's Bloomington Chapel at 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN. Funeral services will be held at University Lutheran in Grand Forks, ND on Saturday the 8th of March at 1p.m. If so desired memorials may be directed to University Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Washburn-McReavy www.Washburn-McReavy.com

Tributes

Helen Marie Murphy

June 5, 1951 - January 31, 2025

Tributes

Helen Marie Murphy

June 5, 1951 - January 31, 2025

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