Our father, Charles Peter Griffin, Jr or “Pete,” sadly passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Cedar Court Senior Living Center in Adams, Minn., at the age of 72. Pete was born July 4, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Martha (Gardner) and Charles Griffin, Sr (Chuck).
In his youth, dad loved sports, especially baseball and basketball and was even a standout athlete in college, playing on the school’s championship basketball team. He continued to play amateur basketball with a team from Iowa City, the Airliner, after college for a while. Despite his relatively short stature for a basketball player, his intelligence and speed made him an excellent athlete. He was known for his charm, intelligence, love of playing devil’s advocate and fantastic storytelling abilities. Professionally, Pete made his living as a baker or chef working in various bakeries and restaurants throughout his life, even receiving some awards for his creations.
Dad had some personal struggles that kept him somewhat distant from his family off and on during the second half of his life. After his accident this past January, we were able to reconnect with him and are so thankful for the excellent care he received at the end of his life by both Mayo Clinic and Cedar Court. It was a relief to know he was being well cared for and nice to see those who visited him after his accident, showing that he had good community and friends in the second half of his life.
Pete is survived by his mother, Martha Griffin of Newton, Iowa; his siblings Lynn Nelson of Lake View, Iowa, Tom Griffin of Waverly, Iowa, and Sue Griffin of Omaha, Nebr.; his three children: Sarah Griffin of Louisville, Ky., Gus Griffin of DeWitt, Iowa, and Ruth Richmiller of O’Fallon, Mo.; as well as four grandchildren.
Dad was loved and will be missed by many. There is no planned memorial service at this time.
Dan Holmes says
It’s been too many years since having contact with “Peter Jaballee”
Rest in piece.
Anonymous says
Please let us know if a memorial service or fund will be set up.
Sarah Griffin says
At this time we are not planning anything in Minnesota. If someone up there wants to organize something, please feel free. We are likely just going to do something small as a family to remember who he was to us. I appreciate that you cared enough for him to want to attend.
Nick Thouin says
Pete was a dear friend. He had a big heart and I witnessed him selflessly help others countless times. He always made us laugh with his wit, humor and story telling. I lost touch with him over the last several years but am fortunate to have known him and considered him a friend. He volunteered at the servicemen’s club in Preston, MN during my employment there.
Sending my love to Pete’s family.
Bob & Marlene says
Pete was a friendly, smiley, happy guy. He was interesting to visit with. I know he struggled physically and it was amazing how he could get around the kitchen working using his crutches. It brings tears to my thinking about how much pain he must have had. Such a good guy. So very sorry for your loss.
Sarah Griffin says
Thank you for all the well wishes and snippets into Dad’s life in Minnesota. It means a lot to us that he was surrounded by people who cared for and appreciated him.
Roger Jorgenson & Dr Jan Meyer says
We were very sorry to hear that Pete had left us. Actually, we had left home and were about 5-10 minutes down the road when we got. a text message that he had died the night before. We sadly returned home..
Our condolences to the family, and thank you for providing the obituary. It was always fun to spend time with Pete; he always had a friendly smile for everyone. It was great to hear things about Pete’s life that we had not previously known.
Carrie Hanson says
Hi, My deepest sympathy to the family of Pete. We knew him from Lanesboro. He catered my oldest son’s wedding, did a beautiful job. He would have given you the last dollar he had, if you needed it. Will miss him, happy to know he’s at peace. He put many miles on his bike, but always in a great mood. Love you Pete, rest in peace my friend!
Juanita Palmby says
God bless him, he is missed.
Susie Gaspar says
I am so sorry for your loss! I had the pleasure of working with your Dad at the Old Barn Resort. He was quite the character and had a smile that would light up a room.
May your memories comfort you!
.
Kirsten Lee Mensing says
Pete was a wonderful human being! I’ve known him for years. I have Little River General Store and I think he’s bought just about every bike he’s ever had from me. She was just wonderful to work with and to deal with and always was so good to my dad too. He will be sincerely missed! It will be sad not to see him just come visit me five or six times a year just because. 🙂 I didn’t know about an accident I’ve always I would have gone to visit him myself. Happy to hear that you were able to reconnect with him.