Ernest E. Griffin

JANESVILLE - Ernest E. Griffin, age 83, of Janesville, passed away at St. Elizabeth Manor in Footville, WI, on Friday, May 17, 2013. He was born in Sparta, WI, on Aug. 31, 1929, the son of Raymond and Adelight (Thill) Griffin. Ernest served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He took his basic training at Fort Sheridan, IL, and spent the better part of his service in Germany, during the post World War II occupation. He was retired from Seneca Foods, where he was a maintenance mechanic for 35 years. He was a member of United Food Commercial Workers Union Local 147 and the VFW. He was a former member of the Janesville Loyal Order of Moose #197. Ernest enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife, time with family, and helping his children with home improvement projects. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed help. Ernest is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; children: Julie Bateman of Pennsylvania, Terri Griffin of Illinois, Patricia (Dave) Bishop of Michigan, Joyce Eccles and Steve of Illinois, Jerry (Carol) Kellum of Missouri, Chris Kellum(wife of James Earl) of Wisconsin; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Helen (Donald) Pfaff; brothers, Joseph (Carol) Griffin and Leo Griffin; sisters-in-law, Norma Griffin and Charlotte Jerome; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Raymond, Jr., William, James, and Oscar; and son, James Earl Kellum. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Noon at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1618 East Racine Street, Janesville. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Milton Lawn Memorial Park, 2200 Milton Avenue, Janesville. The family wishes to thank AgraceHospiceCare and the staff at St. Elizabeth Manor for their support, care, and compassion.