Kathryn "Kay" G. Griffin

Kathryn "Kay" G. Griffin, 79 of Devils Lake formerly of Oberon ND passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022.  

Funeral Services for Kay will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Oberon ND with Reverend Jeff Halvorson officiating. Kay will be laid to peaceful rest in the Hillside Cemetery, rural Oberon.  

Kathryn (Kay) Grace Griffin was born January 12, 1943, at the family farm near Oberon, ND to Abe and Erma Griffin. As the youngest of six brothers and sisters Kay never lacked for energy or a willingness to help or volunteer for anything that required assistance. While that energy and ability to volunteer slowed in the last few years, it was never far from her mind how she could help others. That energy, care, hopefulness, and love of life were all things that inspired family and friends.

As a proud graduate of Oberon High School Kay took it upon herself to teach all her nieces and nephews the schools pep song, “Oberon will shine tonight!” Kay worked in the banking industry for over four decades starting in Minnewaukan at Farmers State Bank and finishing her career at Bremer Bank in Devils Lake. Kay truly enjoyed her work at the bank where she made many friends and touched countless lives. Kay also clerked at auction sales throughout the Lake Region area. In her spare time Kay enjoyed helping on the family farm, traveling, and going to shows. Kay didn’t let much dust settle in her life, but always had time to stop and smell the roses.

Kay was baptized, confirmed, and an active lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran church. Kay loved the church and its members. She enjoyed singing and reading scripture. She served the Lord faithfully through her dedication to the Calvary community and through the support of her family, friends, and neighbors. Kay’s presence in the community will be greatly missed.

Kay also played a prominent role in raising her nephew Mark Griffin who was raised by the Griffins. Kay was more than Mark’s aunt. She was a friend, a teacher, and a support system. Kay never missed an event. Whether that was a basketball game, school play, or a recital. Mark was the apple of her eye. Kay taught Mark to sing at local nursing homes, brought him to Devils Lake on Fridays to greet shop keepers, took him on numerous vacations and encouraged him throughout everything in his life. To say she was instrumental would be an understatement.

Kay is survived by sisters Shirley Nelson (Oberon), Eileen Ellingson (Buffalo, MN), sisters-in-law Grace Griffin and Doris Griffin, brother-in-Law Richard Carlson, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Erma Griffin, infant brother Larry Griffin, sister Darla Carlson, and brothers Abbie and Stanley Griffin.

The family would like to thank all of you for your unending kindness, compassion, and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kay’s name to the Kathryn G. Griffin Endowment at Lake Region State College, 1801 College Drive North, Devils Lake, ND, 59301-1598 or visit www.LRSC.edu/give