Obituaries

Mathew “Matt” Robert Murphy, age 61, of Cedarville, Michigan, died unexpectedly on December 17, 2025, at his home. He was born on February 6, 1964, in Garden City, Michigan, to Harold Murphy Jr. and Shirley Jean (Smith) Murphy Pruesner.

Matt grew up in Westland, Michigan, and attended Churchill High School. He was a bit of a wild child and hung out with a slightly rowdy crowd of good friends, maybe even got in a little trouble here and there. If anyone ever needed anything, Matt was the guy for the job and was a jack of all trades. Despite many of life's challenges, he did the very best he could to be a good husband, dad, brother, and best friend.

Matt was one of six children and grew up in a busy and loud household. He loved to tinker and could fix just about anything, especially cars. He became a mechanic early on and moved to machine building for major car companies. Even when he didn't know how, Matt would figure out a way to help anyone who asked. That’s just the kind of guy he was!

Matt liked to attend the Les Cheneaux Christian Fellowship Church where he enjoyed
listening to Pastor Scout Hester preach. He was previously the President of Cedar Post Thrift Store and Food Bank for ten years. He enjoyed his time there being able to work with the public and help serve the local community. He also loved helping cook for Greg at The Islander Bar during the Hessel boat show for many years.

Matt loved watching the Detroit Lions, ice fishing, camping, cooking/grilling, and big bonfires surrounded by good friends and family. Matt's most favorite pastime was hanging out with his best good dog, Buddy. He could often be seen driving around Cedarville and Hessel with Buddy in tow. Interestingly enough, Matt had just FINALLY gotten his full drivers license back after 30 years of fighting for it, and he was so happy to be able to tell everyone! He was looking forward to traveling and getting to legally drive around and visit all of his friends and family.

Mathew is survived by his wife, Lynne (Rakowski) Murphy; son, Joe (Brittany) Keil; their children, Max and Jude Keil; son, Kyle Holod; daughter, Amber Holod; younger sister, Alicia (Murphy) (Tim) Richards; nieces, Theresa Richards and Marissa (Matthew) Azure; nephews, Don Murphy and Michael (Tyna) Murphy Jr.; father-in-law, Michael Rakowski; brothers-in-law, Doug Rakowski and Matt Rakowski; aunt, Mary Murphy-Nelson; along with a few special friends; Cory Veihdeffer, Ray Mills, Vinnie St. Louis, The Hines Park Boys, Eric Solomonson, George Voulgaris, Tom Bartley, and countless others.

Mathew was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Shirley Jean; brothers, Pat Murphy, Michael Murphy Sr., and Marc Murphy; sister, Beverly Crabtree; and mother-in-law, Diane Rakowski.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026.

If anyone would like to send contributions for cremation, they may be made directly to Family Life Funeral Home in Matt's name or Matt's sister, Alicia can take a Venmo.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.