Jack Griffin

Jackie Paul “Jack” Griffin, 86, of Chatfield died Friday, December 8, 2023 at Chosen Valley Care Center. Jack was born September 11, 1937 in Rochester to Paul and Pearl (Finley) Griffin. Jack was a rebel in high school.  With some creative paperwork, he was able to graduate from Chatfield High School even though he spent his entire junior year on a road trip to California with a buddy.  Jack married Carol Asleson January 9, 1960 and had two sons together, Greg (Sally) Griffin of Rochester and Geoff (Monica) Griffin of Chatfield.  They were married for 51 years.    His lifetime career was in highway heavy construction.  Jack founded Griffin Construction.   Jack molded many local boys into men with his hard core old school boss / employee mentorship.  Most, if not all of them, received the “Use your head for something besides holding your cap on” pep rally along with others which are not repeatable.  Jack’s hobby was WORK, which he loved.  He treasured his fishing trips “with the boys”.  Jack enjoyed trips to Las Vegas in the winters and casinos on holiday weekends with Carol.  Jack and Carol enjoyed collecting antique Norwegian bowls and spoons.  They also enjoyed going on their many cruises,  meeting new people, and venturing out for dinner Friday nights with Palmer and Audrey Borgen. They would faithfully visit old friends at Chatfield Care Center every Sunday.  Carol died in 2011.    He continued his travels, going to Arizona every winter, until suffering a stroke in 2019.

He is survived by two sons, Greg (Sally) Griffin of Rochester and Geoff (Monica) Griffin of Chatfield, three grandchildren; Amanda (Jason) Rooney, Lindsay (Tanner) Ristau, and Grant Griffin, four great-grandchildren; Sage, Oliver, Huck, and Slade. In addition to his wife Carol, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Gimbert, and a brother, Lyle Griffin.

Private family services will be held, followed by burial in Chatfield Cemetery.  Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.