Jennifer Kay Murphey

Jennifer Murphey, age 57 of Brooten died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Big Grove Lutheran Church in rural Brooten/Belgrade. Visitation will be Thursday, June 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Brooten. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Inurnment will be in Big Grove Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Brooten.

Jennifer Kay Murphey, the first daughter of Scott Murphey and Vicky Sundin, was born December 26, 1965 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in the Twin Cities with her younger sister, Shannon. She attended Olivet Church and Cooper High School in Robbinsdale. After graduating from Cooper High School in 1984, Jennifer furthered her education at Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis, where she earned a degree in graphic design.

Jennifer worked in graphic design throughout her life. Most recently she was employed at the local newspaper, Bonanza Valley Voice. She also had her own screen printing company, Murphey’s Printing.

In 1994, Jennifer moved to Brooten. While in Brooten she met her partner, Heidi Kinzler. The two made their home together for the last 13 years. She was a member of Big Grove Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school when her kids were younger. She enjoyed art, horses, graphic design, gardening, and talking on the phone. She especially loved elephants and collected all kinds of stuffed elephants and elephant figurines. Jennifer will be remembered as a woman who loved everyone like a mom, not only her children. She loved her family and tried to embrace moments and create happy memories.

Jennifer passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at her home in Brooten at the age of 57. Her passing has left a huge void in the hearts and lives of those who loved her. May her memory be blessed.

Jennifer is survived by her son, Dillon Knutson of Sacred Heart; daughter, Morgan Knutson of Brooten and step-daughter, Nichole Knutson of Spicer; her father, Scott Murphey of Roseville; her partner, Heidi Kinzler of Brooten; two grandchildren, Syliva Knutson and Elijah Schulenburg; one sister, Shannon Harrison of Omaha, NE; and the father of her children, Bruce Knutson of Brooten; along with other relatives and many friends.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Vicky Sundin.

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