Harold P. Griffin, age 79, New London, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 following a long battle with dementia.
He was born in the Town of Lebanon on March 3, 1937, son of the late Mark and Odena (Ritchie) Griffin. Harold attended Little Wolf High School, Manawa and then enlisted in the US Air Force; serving from 1955-1959. He met his future bride Donna Knapp in 1957; they were united in marriage on August 23, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek. Together they raised seven children; he loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Harold worked construction for Northeast Asphalt Operating Engineers Local 139. He took pride in operating the family hog farm. Harold enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, traveling, camping, spending time with his family and attending NASCAR and off-road racing.
He is survived by his wife Donna; children: Steven (Paula) Griffin, Sherry (Dean) Peterson, Terry (Peter) Zuehls, Wade (Cindy) Griffin, Brad (Lisa) Griffin, Alan Griffin and David (Kim) Griffin; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Roger (Ellie) Griffin, Mark (Darlene) Griffin and Lynn (Bonnie) Reed. Harold is further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Farrel Reed; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Madeline Knapp; grandsons, Eric Krueger and Justin Griffin.
Funeral mass for Harold was held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek with Father Jack Mallarky officiating. Burial is in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London from 4-7 p.m. and also at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Residence for the care and concern shown to Harold.
The time has come when dad’s work is done here on earth and now he can spread his wings and help God on the other side, Love your family.