Aldon J. "AJ"

Murphy

Omaha — Aldon James "AJ" Murphy, 56, of Omaha, formerly of O'Neill and Atkinson, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 in Omaha.

Memorial visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 at the funeral home in Atkinson. Dean Seger will officiate. 

Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Following burial there will be a celebration of life, "AJ style," at Society36 Gathering Place, on the east side of 226 E. Douglas St., O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Aldon "AJ" was born on March 8, 1967 in Atkinson. He was the son of Gerald Francis "Fritz" and Helen Lucinda (Wyant) Murphy. 

Aldon was raised on a small farm on the outskirts of Atkinson. He loved telling stories about baby goats and exotic birds including the beautiful peacocks his dad raised. He rode the bus to and attended a newly established Educational Service Unit (ESU) in O'Neill from ages 7 to 21. He was among the first graduating class of this ESU.  

Aldon left home in 1988 and began residential and day services with Region IV - now known as NorthStar. 

During his many years there, he did custodial work and stocked shelves for many area businesses, including Johnson Drug, Sack n Save, Coast to Coast, True Value, 21st Century Growers, Eagles Club, Holt County Tire, Shamrock Nursery and O'Neill Book and Office. He also delivered Torpins circulars for many years. 

For a period of time, he had what was known as "Aldon's Bake Shop" where he made Runzas and Artesian breads for several loyal customers. His Runzas were especially in high demand. 

He bowled on a men's league at O'Neill Lanes and was a member of  Special Olympics and People First of Nebraska. AJ was a huge fan of Jon Cena and WWE/ pro-wrestling. He also loved country music.  

 AJ was known especially for his sense of humor and persistence. He loved April Fool's Day but his mischievous nature surfaced year-round and usually when least expected. He had a lifelong love for Dr. Pepper and was a master at finding ways to maintain a sufficient stash including sweet talking staff and friends.  

In 2020, Aldon moved to Omaha, Nebraska to be closer to family and experience new adventures outside of O'Neill. He quickly came to love his Shared Living Provider (SLP), her family and home.  

Following a length of time in the hospital, AJ was released to home hospice care in July 2023. He lived his end of life in his dream home supported by many loving, caring people.   

AJ is survived by his sister Martha (Freddie) Jones of Abilene, KS; three brothers Dennis Murphy of Colorado Springs, CO, Robert Murphy of North Platte and Joseph Murphy of Omaha; one sister-in-law Monie (Bob) Paro of Omaha; Jeanie Miller, Lita Lech and all his NorthStar family; Janelle Hardiman (SLP) and her family; and many nieces, nephews, friends, caregivers and service coordinators.    

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Francis Edward "Eddie" and Michael Leon (Jackie), one sister Connie Sue (Duane) Shald and special mentor and NorthStar caregiver Peggy Kleeb.