Leona Theresa Murphy

Leona Theresa Murphy, 97, of Springfield, died at 10:10 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016 at her home. Leona was born on July 3, 1919 in Bartelso, the daughter of Joseph B. and Susanna A. Gausepohl Brueggemann. She married Eugene S. Murphy on May 7, 1946 in Bartelso; he preceded her in death on March 20, 1988. Leona was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, St. Louise de Marillac Guild, the Sangamon-Menard Home Extension and pinochle and bunco clubs. She lovingly raised five children and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Her home was the gathering place for many. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and ceramics. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lydwine and Johanna Brueggemann; three brothers, Arnold, Emil, and Edwin Brueggemann; and a son-in-law, Brant Matises. Leona is survived by four daughters, Sandy (Art) Vespa and Barb Small, both of Springfield, Patty Murphy of Accord, NY, and Jeannie (Gregg) Reynolds of Springfield; one son, Don (Melanie) Murphy of Springfield; twelve grandchildren, Mike (Dana) Vespa, Steve Vespa, Gina Vespa, Andrea (John) Shafer, Jessie (Vince) Frisina, Patrick (Phyllis) Small, Erin (Ryan) Barr, Seamus Murphy, Chris (Tina) Reynolds, Caitlin (Scot) Davis, and Nathan and Brianna Murphy; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Severin (Sally) Brueggemann of Germantown; sister-in-law, Carol Brueggemann of Freeburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. Aloysius Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield with Rev. Steve Arisman, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or Kumler Food Pantry, 303 N. Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62702.