Lorene Diane (Lori) Murphy (nee Wheaton) passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Born September 6, 1949, to Wallace (Wally) and Marjorie (Marge, nee Dohse) Wheaton in Jackson, Michigan, Lori was their youngest daughter, much loved by all who knew her. Small, sweet, and kind of heart, she grew up under the watchful eyes not only of her parents, but her older brother Robert (Bob), and her "twin" brother, Lawrence (Larry) as well.

Lori's childhood was divided between her home in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the city of Port Huron, Michigan, where the men and boys of her family honored their roots in the commercial fishing industry. Lori did her part to help; she mostly minded her elders, with only occasional complaint. She amused herself playing about the Wheaton Fish Market, sliding on piles of scales and watching the boats and catch come in.

While close to her family at large, Lori was a Daddy's girl through and through. She loved her father dearly and took every opportunity to share in his pastimes. Wally and Lori spent hours sitting quietly together in the still of the woods during hunting season. Given the chance and in an effort to impress, she once shouldered - then fired - his shotgun… and promptly blew herself clear off the stump on which she'd sat a moment before. Once her welfare was assured, their laughter rang out, a memory was made, and a legendary and oft-repeated story was born.

Though devastated by their father's untimely death in their youth, Lori and her siblings started work as young people in support of the household, following the example of their newly widowed mother. Taking a position as a waitress at the nearby Holiday Inn, Lori was proud to contribute to the family coffers, and did well in the process… except, as the story goes, for an unfortunate encounter between her well-teased and even better sprayed hairdo… and a Baked Alaska. She recovered but avoided the meeting of fumes and flame from then on.

Lori attended Lakeview High School in Battle Creek. She loved to dance, to bowl, to play golf (a passion imparted by her late father), and became an accomplished tennis player. She formed deep and abiding friendships, many of which endured through college and beyond. She fell in love. She learned about loss, life, and grew into a beautiful woman, generous of heart and of spirit.

In the early 1970's, Lori met and married Richard (Dick) Klug of Appleton, Wisconsin. They welcomed a daughter, Kristen, in 1974, and a son, Scott, in 1977. She loved her children dearly and told them so often - a blessing for which they are both grateful. Their memories of swimming, skiing, road trips, long talks (and even longer telephone bills), and more with Mom will live in their hearts and give rise to their smiles forever.

In 1990, Lori married her soulmate, Edwin (Ed) Murphy. Devoted to one another from the first, Lori and Ed built a home, a business, and a life together in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where they resided for more than 30 years. They shared nearly everything, including a love of the water, and with that, sailed the Great Lakes together on their beloved "Black Magic". The couple regularly hosted their marina neighbors for drinks, dinners, spirited conversations, and many, many laughs, making the boat a destination for all who passed, earning them countless memories and friends that abide to this day.

Lori and Ed were not only committed to one another but also to their faith and those in their circle. They supported each other in all things and endeavored without fail to extend that attribute to benefit those they encountered in need. Often, they opened their home to friends and family over the years, sometimes for brief visits during difficult times, while other stays became permanent, strengthening the bonds between them and those they loved.

Challenged by grave health concerns in 2015 and again in 2023, Lori fought valiantly for each precious day with her family. She stayed long after she grew weary; her resolve not only to live, but to live well and with purpose, was truly remarkable and was matched only by Ed's dedication to her care. He was at her side on every step of her journey, until she took her last. Their bond was remarkable and rare; he was the breath to her life, and she to his. In her words, they were "truly blessed" to share their lives with one another.

Lori is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Terryann (Sonny) Rodriguez, her brother Larry Wheaton, her nephew Jeff Rollo, and her stepson Michael Murphy. She is survived by her adoring husband Ed, her daughter Kristen (Willard) Jabas, her son Scott Klug and his partner Mathilda Golding, her brother Bob (Pam) Wheaton, her sister-in-law Joan Rollo, her stepson Greg Murphy, and dear friend Mary Ellen Rohner. In addition, many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and friends carry her in their hearts.

In accordance with her wishes and those of her husband, Lori spent her last days in her home, surrounded by family and the memories created over a lifetime with those she held close. This privilege was made possible through the caring support of those at Compassus Hospice. The family wishes to express its profound thanks to the Compassus team, as well as to Dr. Kamal Kant Singh Abbi and the incredible staff at Ascension Northeast St. Elizabeth Hospital's Cancer Treatment Center; together, their collective efforts afforded Lori and her loved ones the precious gift of time.

Throughout her journey, Lori and Ed were further buoyed by the intercession of Fr. Bill Swichtenberg and the parish community at St. Mary's, providing invaluable and immeasurable spiritual comfort during the darkest of hours.

To all those who attended Lori, know that you touched her life. For that and so much more, her family is grateful beyond measure.

To honor Lori, the family will attend a private service at St. Mary Catholic Church (Appleton, Wisconsin). In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in Lori's name, made in support of your community, parish, or brothers and sisters in need.

"Sometimes, I visit you in my thoughts. I sit with you in the quiet corners of my memory, where the air still smells like laughter and the world feels warm. You don't answer anymore, but somehow, I still hear you – in the rustle of the trees, in the hum of a gentle breeze. And even though my heart aches a little, it also smiles… because you were here once, and that means you're always here, tucked safely inside me, where goodbyes can't reach." – Unknown, as Inspired by A.A. Milne

Until we meet again…

"Later…"

Your loving family