Edward Arthur Murphy

Edward Arthur Murphy, 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 with his family by his side at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale, Iowa. Ed was born on August 10, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Charles and Virginia Murphy and the younger brother to Herbert Murphy.

On February 9, 1963, Ed married the love of his life, Dixie Jean Brant in Truro, Iowa. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home where faith and family always came first. They were blessed with two daughters and later found great joy in becoming grandparents, creating countless cherished memories along the way. Ed rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his four grandchildren at concerts, games, recitals, and other special events.

A lifelong resident of the Des Moines area, Ed graduated from East High School in 1959. He began college at the University of Iowa before transferring to Drake University. A decision to major in actuarial science led to a lifelong and rewarding career. After earning his degree in 1963, he began work at Equitable of Iowa, later joined the Iowa Insurance Department, and eventually became Chief Actuary and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries at National Travelers Life. Ed guided the company with wisdom and integrity for nearly three decades before retiring in 1999. In retirement, he continued to share his expertise as a board member for EMC National Life.

Ed had a heart for helping others and was deeply committed to serving his community. In his retirement years, he volunteered as a tutor at Urbandale and East High Schools, Grand View University, and Moulton Elementary, and also worked with young adults at Freedom for Youth. He served on the advisory board for the Salvation Army’s Christmas program and, alongside Dixie, volunteered at the Urbandale Food Pantry. Ed had a love for tennis, earning many awards in both singles and mixed doubles. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids to play and taking them on rides to the local courts in his Toyota Supra.

Faith was at the center of Ed’s life. Over the years, he and his family were active members of several churches. He and Dixie first joined New Hope United Methodist, where he came to know Jesus personally; understanding His sacrifice, resurrection, and promise of salvation. Later, at Meredith Drive Reformed Church, they both became deeply involved in ministry. Ed served as a deacon and elder, and together they grew in faith through Bible studies and close lifelong friendships. They also loved spending many Sundays' volunteering in the church nursery and teaching Sunday School. In 2023, they attended The Mission Church, where Ed continued to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dixie; daughters, Susan (Mark)Van Riessen and Kristin (Scot) Johnson; grandchildren, Jennifer (Shawn) Van Bruggen, Michael Van Riessen, Rachel (Andrew) O’Brien, and Leah Johnson; brother-in-law, Dean (Twila) Brant and sister-in-law, Donna Martin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, all of whom were very important to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Herb and Connie Murphy; brother-in-law, Hershel Martin; and nephews, Terry and Bill Brant.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 20 at The Mission Church, 12001 Ridgemont Drive in Urbandale, IA with luncheon immediately following. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

The family wishes to make special note of the loving care provided by the teams at Deerfield and St. Croix Hospice. We appreciate their support and compassion in Ed’s final days.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Mission Church or Joshua Christian Academy.

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