Jerry Louis Griffin, age 80, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his son’s home in Albia, surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.
Jerry was born on July 26, 1946, to Raymond and Marie (Kosman) Griffin. He grew up in Albia, graduating from Albia High School with the Class of 1965. Following high school, Jerry served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. On March 27, 1971, he was united in marriage to Linda Ogle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. They were blessed with 3 children, Brenda, Brian, and Kevin, and shared 55 years of marriage prior to Linda’s passing on August 13, 2026.
Jerry began his working career delivering oil for Joe Lynch before becoming a co-owner and operator of B & J Tire Shop in Albia. He later joined Goode Feed & Seed, which eventually became Roemerman’s and then Smith’s, where he worked for nearly 40 years until retirement. He truly loved going farm to farm with deliveries and visiting with the farmers.
A man of strong faith, Jerry was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He was also a member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136 and former member of the Knights of Columbus. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed farming and had a passion for Farmall tractors. He was an avid sprint car racing fan and enjoyed attending the races in Knoxville with his brothers and other family members. Jerry was a proud grandparent and loved attending his grandchildren’s many activities and events. He loved his family deeply and cherished the time spent with them.
Jerry is survived by his children, Brenda (Paul) Hatfield, Brian (Tammi) Griffin, and Kevin (Cheryl) Griffin; 7 grandchildren, Logan Hatfield, Becca (Colton) Hammons, Makenzie (Hunter) Hastings, Kaitlyn Griffin, Brock (Shelby Roozenboom) Griffin, Abbey (Joe) Teno, and Jax Griffin; 2 great grandchildren, Wrenlee and Parker and Hammons twins on the way; his siblings, Joyce (Gilbert) Robinson, Patty See, Dave (Cheryl) Griffin, Donnie (Sherri) Griffin, Robert (Carla) Griffin; Denise Patton, and a sister-in-law, Janet Griffin. Jerry is also survived by several other in-laws and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents Ray and Marie; a brother, Ronnie Griffin; brothers-in-law, Dave See and Brad Patton; a nephew, Shawn Shaffer; and several other family members.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Jerry’s family present to greet family and friends. A Rosary will be held at 3:00 p.m. led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and A Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose, will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.
An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.
