In Lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial sent to Swift County Benson Hospital. Dick left a big hole when he departed. His life was so full and he reached out to touch and enrich the lives of many people. When he cleared his throat, everyone knew he was ready to share a story, a poem or a bit of wisdom. We are grateful for his God-given talents and they will live on in our memories forever. Dr. Richard Philip Griffin was born June 12, 1917 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of James Frances and Mary (O'Donnell) Griffin. He was baptized as an infant in Mason City, Iowa and confirmed into the Christian faith in Bismarck, North Dakota. He graduated from St. John's Prep School, then attended the University of Pennsylvania and completed medical school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Richard served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. On February 10, 1945, Richard was united in marriage to Florence Marie Hervert in San Antonio, Texas. This union was blessed with eleven children and 65 years of marriage. The family moved to Benson, Minnesota, where Richard served the Benson area community as a physician his entire career until retiring. He was a member of the Minnesota Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Minnesota Academy of Family Practice, and the Knights of Columbus. Among the things he enjoyed were sports, history, tree farming, government, poetry, literature, carving, music, fishing, and especially his family and friends. Dr. Griffin was called from this life on August 30, 2010 at his residence. He attained the age of 93 years, 2 months, and 18 days. Richard is survived by his wife Florence of Glenwood; his children: David J. Griffin of Cold Spring, Kathy (Paul) Smaagaard of Prior Lake, Tim (Holly) Griffin of Paynesville, Irene Jensen of Minneapolis, Loretta Griffin of Avon, Jack (Trish) Griffin of Richmond, Karen (Eric) Haynes of Southfield, MI, Tom (Jude) Griffin of Avon, Martha (Keith) Thompson of Minneapolis, Sarah (Greg) Pflaster of Edina, and Jim (Josie) Griffin of St. Cloud; 37 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his grandsons, Kevin Jensen (Irene) and Will Griffin (Jack); his parents, and his brothers Robert, James, John, and Emmet.
