Memorial
Steven Kenneth “Gitch” Griffin, 64, of Cedar Rapids passed away Sunday December 1 after a four-year battle with cancer. He died with his wife, daughters, and mother by his side.
A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday. Funeral Mass: 2:00 PM on Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, with burial immediately following at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in the Garden of Reflection.
Steve was born March 14th, 1955 to George Griffin Jr. and Nadine (Reisner) Griffin in Decorah, Iowa. In June of 1989 he married Cathy McDaniel and together they were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. For many years, Steve owned and operated Rufus MaCooters Tavern and was tenderly known there as “Gitch.” At the time of his cancer diagnosis, he was employed by Quaker Oats Company in Cedar Rapids. In life, Steve enjoyed many things, including horses, camping, fishing, and sports. Of all the things he enjoyed, his greatest love was his four grandchildren: Keeleigh, Ivory, Harrison, and Hailey.
Those he loved and left to carry on his memory are his wife Cathy Griffin; daughters: Kallie (Alex) Gutierrez and Kendal (Jordon) Meyers; grandchildren Keeleigh and Ivory Meyers and Harrison and Hailey Gutierrez; his mother Nadine (Wilburn) Hollis; his brother Scott (Lisa) Griffin; nieces Kaitlyn and Rachel Griffin; aunts Janice Jackson, Lisa Griffin, Dawn (Gordon) Gardner, Mara (Chris) Nissen; his cousins, the McDaniel/Hughes family, and many dear friends; and his beloved dog, Pepper.
Greeting Steve in Heaven are his father, George Michael Griffin, Jr. and his wife Carol Griffin; paternal grandparents George Griffin Sr. and Leone Griffin; and maternal grandparents Kenneth and Sylvia Reisner.
Steve and his family would like to thank the Cedar Rapids Regis class of 1973 and other friends who have brightened his days with cards, visits, and prayers. Steve’s family would like to express extreme appreciation for all the friends and family that have surrounded them with love and selfless acts, throughout Steve’s fight. Finally, they will be forever grateful to Dr. Samuel Wood and his team; the staff of Hall Perrine Cancer Center; Chad Proctor, ARNP of Mercy Palliative and Hospice Care; and all the staff and volunteers of Mercy Hospice that cared for Steve in his final days.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family. They will be donated in Steve’s honor to Mercy Hospice House and Hall Perrine Cancer Center.