Sandra Murphy

Sandra Murphy, 75, of Clark, passed away peacefully surrounded by family following an illness on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Avantara Clark.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Clark beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Boniface Cemetery in Clark.  A time of fellowship will follow burial at the church.  Visitation will be held the evening prior, Monday, September 23, 2024, at Furness Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Sandra Mae Murphy was born on December 7, 1948, in Clark, South Dakota to William "Bill" and Vivian (Nelsen) Bruns in the home of the local midwife known as "Grandma Stacey".  Sandy attended school in Clark, later earning her GED.  In 1988, Sandy began a very new and scary adventure attending Lake Area Technical College.  Although she had been out of school for over 20 years, this new challenge proved to be successful, as she graduated with a computer degree.  As a non-traditional student, she was also able to attend college alongside her daughter, and the pair were able to share several lunches between classes together.  After completing college Sandy moved to Doland and worked at Full Circle Ag as their bookkeeper until her retirement.

On August 9, 1964, Sandy was united in marriage to Gary Hagstrom. To this union five children were born, Dawn, Cheryl, Donnie, Shawn and Shane.  The couple later divorced in March of 1984.  On August 3rd, of 1996, Sandy married Donald Murphy. She loved the spontaneous trips they would take together.  They would often just hop in a car not knowing the destination, something she missed greatly after his death. Unfortunately, Don passed away on March 19th, of 2004. Sandy was baptized and confirmed at the Plymouth UCC Church in Clark which she was an active member for many years. Throughout her adult life, Sandy spent her time in both the Clark and Doland communities. Sandy held a great love of her family.  She found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She also greatly enjoyed going on golf cart rides throughout town-oftentimes with the golf cart so full of riders that it was difficult to find space for another to hop on.  Sandy enjoyed playing card games, as well as spending quiet time outdoors sitting on her deck. Sandy is survived by: her children: Dawn Finstad of Clark SD, Shawn (Jason) Moe of Florence SD, and Shane (Stephanie) Hagstrom of Clark SD; daughter in law: Dawn Hagstrom of Watertown SD; eleven grandchildren: Ashley Jordan, Shelby (Austin) Mutcher, Taylor Finstad, Gunnar (Shelby Rosenau) Hagstrom, Javen (Kendyl Lyon) Moe, Jacey (Brian) Flisrand, Carlie Moe, Adam Moe, Chloe Hagstrom, Hannah Hagstrom, Nora Hagstrom; two great grandchildren: Railynne Jordan, Jerzi Flisrand;  five step great grandchildren: Tristan, Brantly and Lakelynn Mutcher;  Kamden and Hadley Rosenau; her siblings: Karen (David) Hink, Lynette Williamson, and Bill (Sandy) Bruns; step children: Michael (Ann) Murphy, Duke (Jeana) Murphy, Lisa (Kevin) Lindner and Patrick Murphy and all their children and grandchildren; brothers in law: Robert Murphy and William Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Don Murphy; parents Bill and Vivian Bruns; son Donnie Hagstrom; infant daughter Cheryl Hagstrom; brother in law Melvin Williamson; and mother in law Elsie Murphy.

Furness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. ( www.furnessfuneralhome.com )