Mildred "Millie" Griffin

Millie Griffin passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society Larimore on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Pat, her husband of 70 years, was by her side.

Born on October 12, 1931, to Jennie (Solseng) and Henry Landman, Millie attended primary school at Logan Center and high school in Larimore. She earned her teaching license from Mayville Teachers College, and her early teaching experiences were at country schools in Logan Center and Moraine townships.

She and Pat were married in 1953. They lived in Columbus, OH for two years where Millie taught school and Pat attended dental tech school. They were separated the following year as Pat began his service in the army at Fort Lewis, WA. Millie joined him the following year and taught in a local school.

They eventually made their home in Brown Deer, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee. Pat worked at Marquette University and Millie taught at St. Catherine’s Catholic School for many years before their retirement to Larimore in 1992.

Millie had a phenomenal memory; family lineage and local history were her specialties, and she could remember most important dates and birthdates across at least five generations. Her interests included reading, golfing, playing piano, dancing, cooking, sewing, quilting, diagramming sentences, and playing Yahtzee. She was a masterful Bridge player and taught contract Bridge for years.

Millie’s favorite things included children, comfy slippers, a warm housecoat with pockets, slot machines, college and professional basketball, family reunions, strong coffee, and a good long visit. She especially loved Christmas, her family, and North Dakota. For many years, she and Pat would make the annual drive from WI to the Welte farm for fall hunting season and again for Christmas. Every time they hit the ND border she would cry (happy tears coming, sad tears leaving). Millie and Pat also made great memories on their visits to see John and Marilyn Landman and their family in MN. Family was everything to her.

Millie is survived by her husband Pat (Thomas), her sister Helen Welte, her brother John (Marilyn) Landman, and her nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Keith Welte, her niece Nancy Brueckner, her nephew John Welte, and her grand-nephew Keith James Welte.

For all their comfort and care, thanks to Millie’s home healthcare ladies, the staff at Good Samaritan Society Larimore, Park River Hospital, Dr. Joel Johnson, Condetta Ness FNP-C, Altru Hospital, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and the Larimore Ambulance crew.

A service at Bakke Funeral Home will take place on Tuesday May 21 at 10 a.m.. In lieu of flowers and memorials, please consider donating to your favorite cause or church.

May Millie rest in peace. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her light and her love.