Life Story / Obituary
Joanne Irene Griffin, age 87, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at St. Monica’s Senior Living. She was born in Boscobel, WI, May 1, 1938, daughter of the late Herman and Irene (Nee: Ransom) Frey.
On December 18, 1954, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boscobel, WI she was united in marriage to Samuel L. Griffin Jr. They were married for 62 years before he passed away February 25, 2017. Joanne and Sam moved to Racine in 1963 and raised their family.
Joanne had worked for a number of years at O & H Bakery and the Highlands Restaurant. She loved working in the Food Industry “That was my thing.” She enjoyed traveling with Sam in their motor-home and meeting people. They made 49 of 50 states and spent 9 years wintering in Texas. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She will be remembered for baking, gardening, her beautiful smile, and being a great friend. In November of 2023 she moved to St. Monica’s Senior Living and started a Walking Club which she enjoyed with her fellow residents. Above all she treasured the time spent with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be dearly missed.
Surviving are her children, Deb (Bill) Boucher, Mike (Jo) Griffin, Robin Kitzinger, Brian (Robin) Griffin; grandchildren; sister, Charlene Staskal; brother- in-law, Gale Slauson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by siblings, Alfred (Jean) Frey, Shirley Slauson, Robert (Lorraine) Frey, Dorothy (Edward) Waltz, Helen (Gerald) Gebhard, Martha (Orville) Stender.
Private services will be held followed by interment at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living have been suggested.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to St. Monica’s Staff for their loving and compassionate care.