Rev. Francis C. “Fran” Griffeth
Rev. Francis C. Griffeth
Rev. Francis C. Fran Griffeth, age 68, of Marion, Iowa and formerly of Tiro, died Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa after a long illness.
He was born February 6, 1940 in Mansfield, the son of the late Cleo and Vernice (Cole) Griffeth. Fran was a 1958 graduate of Tiro High School. On February 18, 1961, he married former Shelby resident, Barbara West in Anchorage, Alaska. Fran served in the Air Force and Army for 22 years (14 years in the Reserve Forces). In 1967 he left the active military to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained into the ministry of The American Lutheran Church in Northfield, Minnesota on July 15, 1975 and served parishes in Illinois and Iowa. In 1995, after a heart attack and two triple bypasses of his heart, he took a medical disability, but continued to serve over a dozen congregations as an interim. Fran was a pastor for over 30 years. He loved his family, grandchildren, and friends in many places. He loved to preach and share stories and humor from the pulpit.
Fran is survived by his former wife, Barbara (West) Griffeth of Marion, Iowa, to whom he had been married for 36 years; a son, Brent and Anita Griffeth of Spooner, Wisconsin; a daughter, Jenny and Shane Hartzler of Marion, Iowa; six grandchildren, Shea, Elli, Emma, and Grace Hartzler, Gena and Spenser Griffeth; 3 brothers, Richard and Betty Griffeth of Columbus, Jim and Barbara Griffeth of Mansfield, Eldon and Ruth Griffeth of Cincinnati; Cousins by the dozen. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a niece and nephew.
Friends may call on Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 5-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Private graveside services will be held Saturday morning in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth with military honors provided by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the funeral at 11 AM Saturday, in the church he grew up in, at Tiro United Methodist Church with Rev. Peter Rohan, officiating. The family will greet guests at a luncheon to follow the service. As a celebration of Fran’s life and new life, Fran requested that no one wear the traditional color black.
Memorial expressions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would appreciate on-line condolences at
penwellturner.com
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Family_of: Francis C. Griffeth
Your_Name: Don E. Pope
Date: 08-09-09
Time: 15:43:18 -0400
Condolence:
Barbaaa Griffeth
Brent Griffeth & Family
Jenny Hartzler & Family
“Fran” [3] Brother: Richard,James & Eldon
I wish to extend my sincere condolences in your loss.
May God Bless You All,
Don E. Pope
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Family_of: Francis Griffeth
Your_Name: Sandy West Anschutz
Date: 08-09-09
Time: 01:00:00 -0400
Condolence:
To Barb, her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren: Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Francis. Sorry I cannot attend the funeral to pay my respects or offer support but you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. At a time such as this, large families are great to be able to hold you up and be there for you. Take care and God bless you all,
Cousin Sandy
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Family_of: Francis Griffith
Your_Name: Bonnie Connolly
Date: 08-09-09
Time: 15:59:31 -0400
Condolence:
Dear Family of Francis,I am a first cousin of Francis and have fond memories of us playing on the farm together. My brother, Paul and Francis would trick me into grabbing their hands while they touched the electric fence. I loved his Mom and Dad and visiting them meant good food and fun. Francis and I talked by phone several years ago and we were able to reminisce. Please know that our prayers are with you as you say good-bye to him. Though our family is spread far and wide, we are still just that – family – and how special is that! Blessings to you all.
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Family_of: Francis Griffith
Your_Name: David Young
Condolence:
I haven’t seen Francis since my childhood, but we shared some happy times together when my family (Parker and Helen Young) visited Grandpa and Grandma Cole’s house from Woodville, Ohio. I had hoped to see Francis again some time. I was saddened to hear of his death and I would like to express my sympathy to his family, some of whom I know. Francis will be remembered with fondness.
David Young (cousin)
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
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Family_of: Francis Griffeth
Your_Name: Carol S. West
Date: 08-09-11
Condolence:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have always remembered Francis’ enthusiasm and humor at the family get-togethers I attended years ago. He was such a nice man.
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Family_of: Francis C. Griffeth
Your_Name: Paul Young
Condolence:
Our thoughts are with you in these difficult times. Although I have not seen Francis for decades, he and Janet (another cousin) and I used to be very close when we were young. Our visits to his house included playing in the barn, jumping from the second floor of the barn onto a wagon (I think he broke his arm doing this), and climbing trees. I remember staying up almost all night playing Canasta with Francis. Those memories still seem fresh.
Paul (cousin)