Click Here for details.
Save Save Save Save
By DEREK BARICHELLO Shaw Media
Michael Murphy held many titles in his 25 years working at The Times newspaper in Ottawa – reporter, features editor, sports reporter, copy editor and city editor, but the one that remained constant through the years was his unofficial title of social director.
Known as "Murph" by his friends and colleagues, he was able to connect with people on many levels.
For starters, Murph was well versed in nostalgic pop culture, sharing a love for music, TV, sports and movies that cast a wide net to seemingly bond with anybody, a trait that suited him well as a fixture at Harding trivia nights as well as landing him a WCMY radio segment entitled "Murph at the Movies" with Maggie Frost.
Murph not only shared interests with the people around him, but also utilized them to be inclusive. He invited colleagues to trivia nights, to karaoke for renditions of "Werewolves of London," and to local sporting events as well as college and pro games, among other activities. His favorite teams were the Northern Illinois Huskies, the Chicago Cubs and Bears.
He was often the first person to invite a new coworker to a social gathering. Murph also was charitable with his time. He delivered Christmas gifts for The Times Red Stocking fund, often volunteering for the rural routes; he shaved his head for St. Baldrick's, a fundraiser to help those with childhood cancer.
"In many ways Murph was the glue that held many of us in The Times newsroom together," said Tammie Sloup, former managing editor at The Times, who worked with Murph from 2002 to 2018.
Michael Fitzgerald Murphy died March 13, at the age of 60, but the social foundation he laid led dozens of his former coworkers to share their memories, best left in their own words.
Lonny Cain, former managing editor at The Times: I was managing editor at The Times for 30 years and more than half those years Murph was an important part of the crew. I tried to create a newsroom team with passion and purpose, but I have come to realize it was Murph who kept everyone connected. Not just as coworkers but as part of his growing circle of friends.
Even beyond our newsroom, he built his own little family and did what he could to watch over them. He was a pro who did not stop caring about those he worked with and the many people he turned into stories. He had the kind of heart that's needed in every newsroom.
Sloup: The gentle giant. Trivia master. Gifted storyteller. Social director. ... He loved to tease me with Tootsie Rolls. He knew I hated them. For years, he would leave one on my desk to torment me. When many of us attended an out-of-town wedding for fellow newsers, he bribed the hotel desk clerk to hand me a bag of Tootsie Rolls when I checked in. The clerk was confused as I hysterically laughed.
Stephanie Jaquins, former reporter and multimedia editor: The last time I spoke to Murph was for advice on a story I was writing. I was interviewing a musician – the kind of story Murph had written many times over his career. I knew he would be helpful and he was. At work, he was a supporter of the arts, music and theatre specifically.
Anyone who has worked in a newsroom can tell you it's not a 9-to-5 job and Murph was proof of that. You could often find him at his desk on the weekend. I once called him for help at 9 at night and he drove over to the newsroom, even though he probably could have walked me through it over the phone. I also remember the snowstorm of 2010. Many of us couldn't get out of our driveways, including me. Murph dug himself out, though, and drove around to pick some of us up. I'll always remember him for being a talented writer and a dedicated journalist.
Andy Tavegia, former sports editor: I'll pick a word – loyalty. I have never met someone more loyal and supportive than Mike Murphy. He knew Jackie Pokryfke Tavegia and I, who had attended trivia nights with him numerous times in my 10 years at The Times, likely would not be able to leave our 3-year-old to drive 2.5 hours down to La Salle County. It's been five years since we last were able to come down. But he never stopped asking. We were a part of the team for life. And that's how Murph made you feel. Once you were friends, you were friends for life.
My first real interaction with Murph came within my first two weeks living in Ottawa. Pardon me if you have heard a similar story because chances are every new reporter at that paper can tell you the same story. It's what made Mike Murphy who he was. I was a strange person in what was a strange place for a lifelong suburbanite. And yet there's Murph asking me if I wanted to go out and grab a beer on a Saturday night. I wasn't sure how long I would stay with a man I thought sounded a bit gruff when introduced to him on my first day. Maybe I would have one. Well, one turned into two and three, and so on. We talked everything from our love for alma mater (NIU) to local sports to how we grew up. I cannot begin to tell you how important that night was for me as a nervous 26-year-old. I no longer felt like an outsider.
Tom Sistak, former photo editor: We shared a great passion for pop culture. Enjoying it or making fun of it, but nothing topped our love for The Cubs. Favorite Murph memory: Murph did not have internet access at his apartment, so he spent a lot of his off time at the office surfing the web. I always would edit and scan my weekend photos just about every Sunday morning. Most of time he didn't know I was there as he had earphones on and the photo room was enclosed. It would be perfectly quiet when Murph would start singing, which I found so entertaining. But the best was when the quiet was broken with a loud and very hearty laugh. You knew he found something really funny online. The official social director will surely be missed.
Derek Barichello, regional news editor: It's the Monday before the NCAA tournament begins. Murph would approach with his clipboard in hand, and two manilla envelopes filled with 64 neatly cut, tiny pieces of paper with all the teams handwritten on them. One envelope would be labeled 18; and the other 916. A buy-in landed one team from the top of the seeds, and another from the bottom seeds. Murph ran an NCAA Tournament poll his own stubborn way, and it makes me smile to think about it. It personified one of the characteristics we loved so much about him. It was a fair way to run it, but also a meticulous one. What should not get lost either is the inclusive manner in which he did it, making sure everyone in the building had a chance to participate whether they liked basketball or not. Murph was social glue to The Times, bringing us all together.
Roy Bernard, a longtime friend who knew Murph since their college days at NIU, said the volume of touching stories spoke volumes about who Murph was.
"The most comforting thing I have seen in this past day is the tremendous outpouring of love and admiration from all walks of life expressed for Michael," Bernard said. "He truly touched so many lives, and I really believe he reveled in knowing that he could do that. It is the greatest testimony of his contribution to all of us."
Cindy Cain: Murph loved the water. He and Roy were among the few who would venture into the lake with me to float and sip a beverage. Tammie Sloup joined us, too, a few years back. It was fun and relaxing and we felt like kids. I think that was one of Murph's best qualities. He never lost his love of youthful passions. Sports, music, movies, partying, volleyball, trivia and floating in a lake with friends. He was basically a big kid, and that is why we all loved being around him. I'll never forget the first time he leaped from our pontoon boat into the water with a mighty splash! I was shocked. But he quickly surfaced with a giant grin. Murph made a big, fun splash wherever he went. He made life fun.
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
Member Log-In + Contact Us + Events + PressLines + Job Bank + Advertising Toolbox + Upload Pages
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
# # #
Click Image to Find the IPA Disaster Checklist!