Smila D. Griffin

Smila Deloris Griffin, 85, of Mankato died Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be from 12-1:30 p.m., at Northview. Burial will be at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.

Smila was born on August 13, 1930, in Mankato, MN to Oscar and Grace (Hoffman) Seltenreich. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN. In 1948, Smila graduated from Mankato High School. While working at Kresge’s Dime Store, she met the love of her life, Duane Griffin. They were married on February 14, 1953 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. She was a founding member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mankato and active with the Ladies Aid. 

Their marriage was blessed with 4 children. Smila loved being a homemaker, baking, cooking, gardening, and especially growing roses, and caring for her family. She enjoyed spending time at their lake cabin and being with her family and her pets, Corky and Shadow. Smila’s name truly fit her for she always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She will be greatly missed.

Smila is survived by her children, Gary (Marie) Griffin of Mankato, Dale Griffin of Mankato, and Colleen (Thomas) Haley of Waseca; grandchildren, Cory (Matthew) Sawyer, Caitlin Griffin, Daniel Griffin, and Rachel Haley. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane Earl Griffin in 1986; daughter, Gloria Grace Griffin in 2007; and one brother and one sister.

Memorials are preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.