Michael, 70, of rural Sparland, Illinois, passed away April 25, 2024. Mike was born on October 28, 1953, to the late Jack and Janine (Harney) Murphy at the US Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was a 1972 graduate of Sparland High School and attended Southern Illinois University’s Aviation Technology program in 1979. In 1983, Mike attended the University of Southern California for Aviation communication management and Helicopter accident investigations.

Mike was an accomplished pilot for over 20 years, holding a commercial license for helicopters and fixed-wing planes with a private seaplane endorsement. He owned and operated his own helicopter pollinating service “Prairie Copters.” Mike was employed with the BNSF Railroad as a conductor with 28 years of service. 

He is survived by his sister Tammy (Mike) Stumbaugh, with whom he resided with for the last five months; nieces Tracy (Jamar) Williams, Chelsy (Seth) Braun, Jodi (Ben) Schmidt, Amy Robinson, Katelyn (Justin) Schoch; and nephew Adam (Rachael) Murphy. He was also preceded in death by his brother and his wife, Tim and Diane (Wilkins) Murphy.

Cremation rites were accorded and per Mike’s wishes, there will be no services. The family would like to thank Mike’s Nurse, Tara, for her care and compassion for both Mike and his family. Online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.