Laverne "Griggsy" Griggs

Vern “Griggsy” Griggs, age 71, lifelong resident of Marshalltown, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at his home with his wife and daughter by his side, and was under the care of the Iowa River Hospice Home. As per Vern’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  A celebration of life for Vern will take place at a later time.  Memorials may be directed to his wife, Erlayne for a memorial designation to be determined.  For additional information or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Vern was born on August 3, 1949 to parents Maurice Arland and Clarice Mildred (Ingledue) Griggs in Marshalltown.  He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1967.  He worked for the Marshalltown School District Transportation Department during his senior year and following graduation for nearly ten years.  He then worked 31 years at Fisher Controls retiring in 2005.  In retirement, he went on to work for Clemons, Inc. from 2007-2017. Though this would come as no surprise to those who knew him, Griggsy had an infatuation with cars.  He kept track of over 160 vehicles that he had owned over his lifetime, including several classics.  He also loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles. Before passing away, a friend of Vern’s arranged for him to take a SURPRISE ride in his FAVORITE classic car that he had traded years ago....a 1969 Boss 429 Mustang. He was overjoyed! (This was on his Bucket List!) In his free time, Vern enjoyed watching and “couch coaching” the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs.  He enjoyed going to the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Parties in Clear Lake and spending summers camping near Honey Creek at Lake Rathbun.  You maybe, just maybe might find him having an occasional cold one with friends! Vern was united in marriage to Paula Boehmer (Purvis) in February 1976.  Their daughter Angie was born in November 1978.  Vern and Paula later divorced and have remained good friends.   After meeting the love of his life, Erlayne Gillaspie, they were married on June 13, 1992 in Fairfield, IA.  Vern and Erlayne would like to thank Steve and Sally Kriegel for setting up the blind date that started their story together. 1-4-3 Forever!  They also want to thank everyone for their calls, texts, cards and visits during Vern’s illness.  He cherished each and every one!   To Vern’s doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Bliss Cancer Center, “there aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to you.  He loved you!” Iowa River Hospice and his nurse, “you’re amazing!” Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Erlayne; his daughter Angie (DJ) Eastman and their children Layken, Emerson and Quinn Eastman of Marshalltown; his siblings M. William (Esther) Griggs of Clinton, IA and Robert (Nancy) Griggs of Geneseo, IL; his sisters-in-law Joan Griggs of Marshalltown, Kala (David) Crossett of Ottumwa and Gina (Terry) Peters of Fairfield; his brothers-in-law Rodger (Sandy) Gillaspie of Fairfield and Larry (Virginia) Gillaspie of Grinnell; his aunt Mildred Griggs of Central City, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear family friends.  Vern is preceded in death by his parents;  his brother Carl Griggs; his nephew Brian Griggs; his former in-laws Dean and Helen Chambers; and Erlayne’s parents, Frances and Warren Gillaspie.