Lawrence "Larry" J. Griffin

Everyone’s life is a story—one that takes a lifetime to tell—but every story eventually reaches its final chapter. Larry Griffin’s story came to an end far too soon on May 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and children.
Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The Rosary will be said at 2:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, with Father Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa.
How do you summarize the story of a man who simply loved life in all its forms? Larry loved singing and dancing. He found joy in gardening, playing cards, and admiring flowers. He led by example through his catholic faith by pouring his heart into volunteering, taking pride in his work, and above all, he deeply loved his family.

Our dad often said his life was full and that he had no regrets. If given the chance to do it all over again, he would not change a thing. Still, we imagine he would have played a few more games of high-arc softball with the Farley Freaks, worked a bit longer at Hodge Warehouse, Lowe’s, and The Jule, volunteered more hours at St. Stephen’s Food Bank and St. Joseph the Worker, and played just one more hand of cards with his dear friends and family.
More than anything, he would have spent more evenings waltzing and square dancing with his wife of 55 years, Ruth and their close friends. As well as, soaked in more summers in La Crosse with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Larry Griffin’s story may have ended, but his love, joy, and spirit live on in all of us who were lucky enough to be part of it.
Those who will carry on his legacy and continue sharing the many lessons from his life include his beloved wife, Ruth (Helle) Griffin, his cherished children; Sheila (Curt) Hall - Guttenberg, IA, Steve (Kelly) Griffin - West St. Paul, MN, Sandy (Tom) Collins - Cedar Rapids, IA, Bill (Jen) Griffin - Dubuque, IA, Teri (Dave) Witt - Dubuque, IA, Sharon “Shar” (Jeff) Lucas - Cedar Rapids, IA, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren—his precious gems. Siblings: Diane (Lloyd) McDermott, Allan (Colleen) Griffin, and Marilyn (Greg) Sicheneder; In-laws: Doris (Clair) Riesberg, Joanie (Tom) Tauke, LuAnn (Bob) Cigrand, Bob (Cami) Helle, Marlene (Ambrose) Koopman, Frank (Joann) Helle, Paul (Stella) Helle, George (Connie) Helle, Pearl Kelchen, and Margie Helle.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Catherine (Olberding) Griffin, In-laws, George and Joan Helle, Sister Mary Ann Helle O.S.F., Norma (Gerry) Kelchen, LeRoy Helle, Janet (John) Schwendinger, and Harry Kelchen.
The family wants to give a special thanks to – Dr. Michael O’Donnell and his team at University of Iowa, Dr. Eric Engelman and his team at Medical Associates, and Hospice of Dubuque - especially nurse Faith. We will always be grateful for the care and support you provided to our Dad and to each of us.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.