Daniel Murphy

Daniel Bruce Murphy passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026 at Munson Medical Center Hospice House with his mother by his side. Daniel was born in Saginaw, MI on April 28, 1983. He attended Saginaw Township Schools and graduated from Heritage High School in 2001. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University focusing on Advanced Audio/Visual Technology. He was baptized as a child at Swan Valley United Methodist Church, Saginaw, MI, and recently accepted Christ as his savior two months ago.

Dan had a heart of gold and made friends easily. He kept his friends for life as evidenced by the hundreds of people in his Contact List - including his friend who he met 40 years ago from their 3-year-old preschool class; to one of his newest friends he met while they were exercising their dogs at the local dog park a year ago! That friendship turned into them becoming golf partners and then meeting more of his friends who included Dan as part of their weekly Trivia Night team! His friends were all ages.

Friends and family enjoyed being around Dan, especially while he cooked delicious meals – without using a recipe! He learned some cooking secrets while working at the Family-Owned Italian Deli in Marquette, MI while in college. Christmas 2025 found him showing his family how to make homemade pretzels from scratch! His friends often requested that he come to their homes and make special meals. One friend, said that if she were ever marooned on a deserted island, she’d want Dan to be with her because he’d know how to make food and figure out ways to get off the island!

Dan was a carpenter most of his adult life – Seattle, Chicago and Northern Michigan, but that doesn’t describe his many talents or interests. Dan was always willing to share what he had – once a friend admired the table he was hand-crafting for himself and instead of keeping it, he gave it to the friend! He built a 7-foot live edge dining table for his aunt and uncle – held together with “pegs” – not nails and screws! He made many modifications to his “barndominium” in Leelanau County over the last eight years.

Dan loved fishing but mostly loved helping his friends land the big ones out of Leland, MI near South Manitou Island! Family photos show Dan fishing at Mullet Lake, catching more than his cousins or brother every year! He also fished at Kaby Lodge in Canada with family; and in Alaska where he met-up with his special friend, Sam, who took him out into the “big water” in his charter fishing boat!

Dan was a founding member of Munbut – a small group of NMU guys who formed the band, wrote the songs and music, cut a CD and played locally as well as traveled around the Tri-State region playing their original songs. Dan usually played the bass, but could also play acoustic guitar, banjo, and piano – without ever knowing how to read sheet music! His band “guys” have remained his friends to this day.

Dan loved his dogs – Puma, Gunner, Davis, Frankie and Marven. Some were rescued, some were given to him, and one was chosen by Dan. He trained them well and all had special tricks they could perform on demand! His niece, Madison, always loved playing with each of his dogs, or taking them on walks.

He loved camping and biking – sometimes trips of more than 100 miles; he even built an aerodynamic “cart” so his dog, Davis, could travel the roads with him! He loved traveling to unique places and learning new things. This was sparked during his attendance at National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound programs during his high school years.

Dan could finish “Wordle” faster than anyone known! Many nights he could run a Jeopardy category – beating his mom! If there was something he didn’t know, he’d research it – recently using UTube. He was well-read . . . and could debate many topics!

Dan was a “nature guy” - birder, rock-hound and amateur weather forecaster and astronomer! He would often go to Lake Michigan or Northport to witness a front rolling in or to photograph the Northern Lights. Dan collected rocks wherever he wandered. He had dozens of different types sorted and stored in jars. He was always tumbling and polishing his favorite ones - Petoskey stones! He was an expert Scrabble and Bananagrams player. He and his nephew, Devin, used to play chess using the beautiful, wooden chessboard made of several types of wood that Dan hand-crafted; or he played on it against his adult friends.

Dan will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him. He is survived by his father, Timothy T. Murphy, Saginaw, Mi and his mother, Suzanne M. Murphy, Traverse City, MI. His brother, Michael T. Murphy and wife, Kelly L. Murphy and his nephew, Devin, and niece, Madison, of Freeland, MI. He leaves many other relatives to remember his life.

The Celebration of Dan’s Life will be held on June 28, 2026 at 4:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm at the Debra J. Edson Family Education Center, 1500 Red Dr. in “The Commons” in Traverse City, MI. Memorial contributions in Dan’s honor may be directed to the Habitat for Humanity – GTR (Grand Traverse Region), P.O. Box 5412, Traverse City, MI, 49696 or to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.