Irene Murphy

Irene Murphy, 89, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

She was born in Vilaka, Latvia on November 21, 1936 to Julijans and Lidija Sobolevskis. Irene had a brother, Juris who died at age 2 in 1937. Irene and her parents came to the United States on August 20, 1949 and arrived in Lincoln in December of 1950.

Irene married Romualdas A. Korsakas on December 28, 1957 and they had a son, Michael on May 3, 1960.

Irene began her career as a Dental Assistant in 1957 and was involved in starting the School of Dental Assisting in Lincoln in 1963 where she met Dr. Francis (Frank) D. Murphy, who she wed on December 21, 1968. Irene continued with the School of Dental Assisting program until 1975 when she joined Frank at his dental practice. The two worked together until they both retired in 1982.

Irene, Frank, and Michael enjoyed many years of trapshooting and fishing and hunting together. Irene considered gardening her sanctuary and expressed her creativity through sewing – creating many things like several Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Irene admired her parents’ cooking skills and enjoyed experimenting with new and honoring old recipes to gather family and friends for special occasions like hosting holiday meals and carrying on traditions including baking pīrāgi at the Latvian church. Irene loved taking care of family and friends, was blessed to have the opportunity to bond with her grandchildren, and help family, friends, and anyone in need. Among her many endearing qualities, her nurturing and caring spirit will be remembered by all. Irene was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become a member of PEO Sisterhood in Chapter FB, where she would go on to serve as the chapter’s President and enjoyed spending time with her sisters through the remainder of her life.

Irene had a cherished group of friends who also emigrated from Latvia to the United States during the same time as her, as many Latvians settled in Lincoln, NE. They remained very close from the start of their friendship as members of Lincoln High’s class of 1955. This group remained close throughout their lives, taking lots of trips together and creating lifelong memories. With Irene’s passing, the remaining members of this group residing in Lincoln, NE are Marty Barnhouse, Daila Bumanis, Liz Cuddy and Mara Murphy.

Irene will be dearly missed by her son Michael Korsakas and wife Christine of Lincoln, NE, grandson Michael Korsakas and wife Ashley of Austin, TX, grandson Mark Korsakas of Lincoln, NE, granddaughter Megan Kricsfeld and husband Michael and great grandchildren Mia and Lauren of Overland Park, KS, and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents to Julijans and Lidija Sobolevskis, brother Juris Sobolevskis, husband Francis D. Murphy, stepson Doug Murphy, stepdaughter Judy Murphy, and daughter-in-law Cindy Korsakas.

A memorial service celebrating Irene’s life will be held at 2 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Kim Osborn officiating. At Irene’s request, coffee and dessert will be served after the service with a burial to follow. All friends and family are welcome to join in honoring Irene’s life.

Donations in Irene’s memory are suggested to PEO Chapter FB, The Latvian Evangelic Lutheran Church of Lincoln, and The Landing Senior Living Community of Lincoln, NE.