John Griffin

John Griff Griffin, 64, of Marshalltown, died at his home early Tuesday morning, April 10, while surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services for Griff will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 13, at the First United Methodist Church. Following cremation, a private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation for Griff will be held from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 12, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed in his name to either Iowa Hospice or the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora, Iowa. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Griff and his family. Griff was born October 25, 1947, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of John Edward and Margaret Christine (Melicker) Griffin. He was born and raised in Iowa City and went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in Math. During his college years, Griff met the love of his life, Mary Beth Angell, in Iowa City. They were married on May 29, 1971, in Iowa City at St. Marys Catholic Church. To this union three children were born. Throughout their lifetime together Griff and Beth lived in Cedar Rapids, Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Marshalltown. Griff was employed by Fisher Controls/Emerson Process as a Systems Programmer until the time of his retirement in March of 2012. Griff was known as a man of few words who loved his family very much. When he had free time he enjoyed woodworking, grilling, making pizza and cooking the best breakfasts ever for his family. Griff also valued his career as a Systems Programmer and the many friends he worked with throughout the years. Above all, family came first for Griff. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by his family. Griff is survived by his wife of 40 years, Beth Griffin of Marshalltown, his children: Kristin Brady of Eldora, Andrew John (Alex Kilekas) of North Carolina and Abbie (Francis) David of Seattle, Washington, his four grandchildren: Ian, Anna Grace, Mary and Sawyer, his siblings: Dorie (Peter) Kavalauskas of Wisconsin, Midge (John) VeDepo of North Carolina, Eileen (Jack) Herring of Iowa City, Dennis (Fran) Griffin of Weirsdale, Florida and Ron Griffin of West Branch, Iowa. Griff was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ken in 2001.