Mark Griffin

Mark Steven Griffin, 75, passed away on March 2, 2024 with his wife by his side. Mark's children, grandchildren, family and friends surrounded him during his final weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, March 8 at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 520 Raymond St. Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM, with a rosary/vigil service starting at 7:00PM, Thursday, March 7 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. 

He was born November 10, 1948 to parents Richard & D. Elaine Griffin in Jamestown, North Dakota. He attended St. Johns Academy through the 9th grade and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1967. He attended Jamestown College and graduated with a BA degree in History & Elementary Education in 1971. He received his Masters in Education from Northern State College in 1978. 

He married Connie Schwab on December 22, 1973. They lived in Jamestown, Glen Ullin and settled down in Bismarck in 1979. They were blessed with two children; Kathleen Marie was born on January 30, 1978 and Matthew Steven was born on January 30, 1980. He taught 5th & 6th grade and coached basketball for seven years. He worked for Northwestern Bell/US West from 1979-2002 selling yellow page advertising. His summers were spent coaching for the Bismarck Soccer League from 1986-1991 and traveling summer soccer team from 1991-1999. He completed his sales career at Rausch Furniture and Fireside Office Products until his retirement on December 31, 2010. After retirement, he delivered medications part-time for six years. 

Throughout his retirement years Mark enjoyed chasing his six grandchildren and holding hands with his wife while cruising in their mustang convertible. He was the family shopper as he couldn't ever pass up a good sale. He always enjoyed hosting a picnic (master of the grill), playing golf, collecting coins and keeping everyone on their toes with a witty comeback or random joke. 

Mark was one of the founding members, along with his grandsons, of Squadron #1of the Sons of the American Legion of North Dakota as his father served in the United States Army during WWII. His love of the United States of America showed with everything he did. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Connie; his daughter, Katie (Rick) Kramlich; grandchildren, Maxwell & Coleman Kramlich; son, Matt (Mandy) Griffin; grandchildren, Carmen, Tobias, Owen & Chloe Griffin, all of Bismarck; his siblings, Paul (Nora) Griffin of Bismarck, Robert Griffin of Lincoln, ND, Connie (Glen) Kleinknecht of Mesa, AZ, Daniel (Janet) Griffin of Columbus, MT, Timothy Griffin of Moorhead, MN, Richard (Donette) Griffin of Bismarck and Laura Becker of Valley City, ND; brother-in-law, Bob (Lori) Schwab of Montrose, CO and so many nieces & nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & D. Elaine Griffin; in-laws, Edward & Laverne Schwab, brother-in-law, Eddie Schwab and sister-in-law, Jean Griffin. 

Mark loved his time at Jamestown College and continued to follow the orange and black throughout his life. The Mark & Connie Griffin Scholarship at the University of Jamestown is a testament to his love. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student majoring in Education. Please make donations to the Mark & Connie Griffin Scholarship Fund, University of Jamestown, 6082 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405. 

Though our time with you has come to an end, you will never be forgotten by those whose lives you have touched. 

We love you.