David Harold Griffin

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 12, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Age:
70 years old

Visitation

Date: Sunday March 15, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Monday March 16, 2020
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: St. Bridgets Catholic Church [ view map ]

Funeral Service

Date: Monday March 16, 2020
Time: 11:00 am

Location: St. Bridgets Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: St. Bridget's Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 12, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Age:
70 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, March 12, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Age:
70 years old

David Harold Griffin

David Harold Griffin – Rochester

David Harold Griffin, 70 of Rochester passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus, on March 11, 2020.

David was born on March 12, 1949 in Rochester to Harold and Madelyn Griffin. He attended St. John’s Grade School and graduated from Lourdes High School in 1967. He then went to Winona State University, graduating in 1971 with education degree. He retired after over 30 years as a Grounds Foreman at IBM. He enjoyed mowing, and mowed more acres than could ever be calculated. On December 27, 1985 he married Rita Mary Kuisle at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. David was passionate about fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He was a natural storyteller who captured the imaginations of all those listening. He deeply loved his family and friends, and enjoyed entertaining at his home. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with and spoiling his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife Rita Mary of Rochester, his brother James R. (Geraldine) Griffin of Rochester, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gerald.

The Funeral Mass for David will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11:00AM at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Simpson, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday,  evening, March 15, 2020 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at St. Bridget’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Bridget’s Catholic Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Condolences

The family of David Harold Griffin has received the following condolences.

Hello, Jim and Geraldine and family,


 


I'm so sorry to hear of David's death from my sister Colleen who was just a year ahead of him at St John's and LHS.


Jim, I remember his smiling face and feel badly for your loss of both brothers. My sibs are so important to me these days.


I no longer have your email, Geraldine so if you're willing just send it. 


Sending good thoughts and a prayer,


Sharon Hand O'Brien


 


 

Those of us that were lucky enough to go to St Johns elementary school received a favorable three stone foundation from the Griffins with  Griffs mom and dad caring eyes working and loving us at St Johns. The thoughts of them in part erases the dark  of S. Marie and others. Rita, to you and yours all the best, Charlie Kane 

Those of us that were lucky enough to go to St Johns elementary school received a favorable three stone foundation from the Griffins with  Griffs mom and dad caring eyes working and loving us at St Johns. The thoughts of them in part erases the dark  of S. Marie and others. Rita, to you and yours all the best, Charlie Kane 

There are never words to express the depth of sadness when a loved one passes on.  The same sadness is felt by friends.  He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends.  May you find the comfort and peace through God and know you were and are truly loved.  


Shirley Westbrook

Rita,


I want you to know that both Jeff and I have been thinking of you and praying for you.  Dave was an wonderful soul and I feel blessed to have known him.  It will never forget all the times that Dave, you and Madelyn watched my girls.  Or when Dave came over to our house to play Santa Claus to Nicole.  And when you and Dave had my girls over to your home for a Leprechaun hunt.  You both went out of your way to make that Holiday special for them.  What a very special couple!  I know you are heartbroken, Rita and my heart and friendship goes out to you.  Lean on your family, your friends, your faith and the scriptures.  Please remember..."The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" Psalm 34:18.


Jeff and Jody

Dear family,


I remember Griff fondly.  We were close friends in college and I spent many hours at his home. I knew his father and mother well.  He was in my wedding in 1972.  I remember listening to him spin unbelievable tales.  He was the only person I knew who was actually a leprechaun in disguise.  Rest In Peace David.

Rita and family:  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.  Rita, I always remember the joy that was present when you were with Dave.  The fun you had together was so apparent.  May the support you get from all your friends and family give you serenity.  God Bless.  Lots of hugs, Carin Leitzen Ruter

Rita and family,


i knew Griff before he was married and had a family. Back in the day, many beers and parties with Dave. He was a great guy and a joy to be around. Even though we went our separate ways we always spotted each other on St. Patty's day. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will truly be missed.


John Eaton

Dear Rita and all the family,


i was so sad to hear of Griffs passing.  He was such a wonderful man.  I will remember always, year after year, being at the Koehler Hotel piano bar on St Pattys Day.  His outfits were always amazing on that very special day for him and I always cried when he sang Danny Boy.  May God wrap his loving arms around you all, as you celebrate Dave's life.  He will surely be showing them in heaven, how it's "really" done on St Pattys Day.


Sincerely 


Sue (Corfits) Galvin

Dear Rita;


We are sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. He was a great friend and always remember his positive attitude and fun together. He was my carry buddy in football at Lourdes. At the end of practice we carried each other for 100 yards for conditioning and to keep coach Mayer happy. 
From the nice notes you are receiving from classmates you have to be proud that Dave “carried“ his smile and positive attitude in life with us.


Love and Prayers


Steve and Mary Hollander


 

Dear Rita and family we are so very sorry to learn of Griff’s passing we will remember him as a terrific guy who was kind, fun and hard working but mostly we will remember him as St Patrick’s day arrives, seeing him come through the door in all his garb it was such a joy to see him and be in his presence it was like seeing a real live leprechaun He put so many smiles on  people’s faces  and warmed the hearts of anyone who was near. May you find peace in knowing he made a difference in this world. God bless you as you move through your days ahead   
deepest sympathy Sue and Terry Clark. 

Rita, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many memories of Dave’s big smile and kindness for all he met. ❤️

Dave was one of my few classmates from St. John's through Lourdes. We started our journey at the "old" St. John's before the current one was built. I will always remember his infectious laugh and positive, can do attitude. I will miss him, but am blessed to carry many good memories and life lessons from "Griff." Miss you, John.

Rita -


I am so very sorry for you loss. Grif was such a sweet, awesome man that brought a lot of joy and laughs to our family while I was growing up. He will be deeply missed, but I guarantee he is looking down on all of us dancing an Irish jig and having a cocktail!


Love and hugs to you in this difficult time!!!


Carrie Duerre Stapelkamp

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family at this sad time. 

Dear Rita and Family,


I am saddened to hear of the death of Dave.


My recollection is his inate ability to command the attention of everyone close enough to hear his voice. 


Another loss for everyone who knew him and our Class of 67.


Bob Lawler

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Dave was a very special guy! Many memories of him in high school. ?


 

Rita-  I am so sorry for your loss of your soulmate David.  May your strong faith, dear family, and close friends  help you through this very sad time.  
I know you have many very special memories of your life together.  

Rita, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I always loved coming for a visit in your beautiful home on the hill!
David always had a smile & a hug!  Very special guy‼️
God’s blessings on you??

Rita - I know because of your strong faith, you are finding comfort in that David is in his heavenly house in the Lord’s arms. Regardless, I know you are heart broken. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so very sorry for your loss