John Griffin

JOHN GRIFFIN

Cedar Rapids

John D. Griffin "Jack," 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, July 27, 2014, in his home, surrounded by family. Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Rev. David O'Connor will be officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military rights. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving to honor his memory is his daughter, Lynda (Joe) Schimberg of Cedar Rapids; and grandchildren, Stacy (Bob) Cataldo, David (Jodi) Schimberg, Charlie (Lisa) Schimberg and Jolyn (Leon) Robbins.

He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Gwen, Sophia and Joseph Cataldo, Maci and Noah Schimberg, Jack, Sam, Charlie and Will Schimberg, and Vivian and Noelle Robbins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine (Reding) Griffin; his parents, John H. and Anna Griffin; and his siblings, Jim Griffin, Bud Griffin, Mary May and Geraldine Hanson.

Jack was born Dec. 8, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the son of John Henry and Anna Catherine Molumby Griffin. Jack graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and went to work for the Rock Island Railroad as a diesel engineer in 1942. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Jack was a decorated veteran who served his country as a sergeant first class in World War II, from 1942-45. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was captured after parachuting behind enemy lines. He spent five months in a German POW camp.

Jack returned to Cedar Rapids and married Lorraine Reding on Feb. 23, 1946. He worked for the Rock Island Railroad for 35 years and the Iowa Northern Railroad for another two years. before retiring. Jack was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Parish, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the IBEW.

In his retirement, Jack enjoyed playing tennis, summers at the Marion swimming pool, attending his grandchildren's many activities and paying meticulous attention to his lawn and landscaping.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Krista Woltman and The Caregivers, as well as Hospice of Mercy for the loving care and support they provided Jack.

Jack will be greatly missed by his family, but the gifts he bestowed upon them during his life will be forever remembered and treasured.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Mercy or Community Health Free Clinic of Cedar Rapids.