It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of John Griffin who died on August 21, 2026 at the age of 83.

Born to Raymond and Evelyn Griffin, John grew up in Shieldsville, Minnesota, one of six children. His siblings and their spouses shared decades of stories, laughter, and celebrations. Many of them left this world too soon, but the connection they shared remained one of the great constants of his life.

Following high school, John served his country as a Private First Class in the United States Army, serving during the time of the Berlin Crisis. After his military service, he attended the Minnesota School of Business and went on to build a career at 3M and Crown Auto Stores before starting several businesses including Computer Sales and Leasing. His children will always remember the work stories he shared. They were never just stories about business—they were lessons about life, persistence, and figuring things out along the way.

John had two great loves in his lifetime. He married Mary Jean in 1963, and they built a loving family life until her passing in 1986. In 2000, he married Myrna, beginning a joyful new chapter together. They shared many happy years between their homes in Prior Lake and Lakeville Minnesota, and Palm Springs, California. A love of the water brought them countless adventures, from time on Prior Lake to cruising the St. Croix River on their boat, where they created lasting memories.

One of John’s greatest joys was the relationship he shared with his children. He had a unique bond with each of them, shaped by the different chapters of life they shared together. Bob shared his entrepreneurial spirit and love of business; Mike shared his sense of humor, joy, and appreciation for the ordinary moments that make life meaningful; and Janelle shared her dad’s love of entertaining from setting a beautiful table to arranging a Thanksgiving fruit salad to look like a turkey.

John was a natural entertainer with a quick wit and a gift for making people laugh. Whether loading your plate before you'd finished the last one (and giving you that squinting look when you dared to say no), pulling a prank on his siblings, chasing you with his shoulder-mounted video camera despite your stiff arm, or delivering one of his trademark one-liners, he was always keeping it light and fun. He had his favorite sayings so well known that he joked if anyone borrowed one of his lines, they owed him a nickel.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Myrna Griffin; his children, Bob (Kim) Griffin, Mike (Kerry) Griffin, and Janelle (Brad) Donaldson; his grandchildren, Grace, Jack, Norah, Asher, Ruby, and Miles; his brother, Paul (Patty) Griffin; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Brianno's Chart House Restaurant and Event Center in Lakeville on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00-7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to come eat, drink, share some stories, and "tell some lies," as John would say. A private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place separately.