Thomas "Pat" Griffin

Thomas Patrick Griffin 10/30/31 - 4/2/2026

Thomas "Pat" Griffin, age 94, of Larimore, ND, passed away on Thursday, April 2, at the Good Samaritan Society-Larimore.

Thomas Patrick (Pat) Griffin was born October 30, 1931 in Larimore, ND to Mena (Bachman) and James Griffin. Mena passed away when Pat and his brother, Jim were young boys. Their father later married Ruby Steedsman, and siblings Janet and Larry completed the family.

Pat graduated from Larimore High school in 1949. He married his high school sweetheart, Millie Landman in 1953. Pat studied to become a dental lab technician at the University of North Dakota and in 1957 enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA for two years.

In 1959 Pat and Millie moved to Milwaukee, WI where Pat began his life-long career in the School of Dentistry at Marquette University. He and Millie made lasting friendships during their years in Milwaukee and were avid basketball fans and season ticket holders of the then Marquette Warriors.

The Griffins often traveled to visit family and friends in ND and MN. Pat would usually work all day and then drive through the night to reach their destination. They always brought a thermos of good, strong coffee. He and Millie also invited family and friends to their home in the suburb of Brown Deer. Many nieces and nephews were lucky enough to have extended stays or join them on roadtrips. Pat retired in 1992 and the couple moved back to their hometown, eager to spoil the next generation and continue their hobbies; happy to be back in God’s Country.

Pat was a dedicated gardener and enjoyed his jigsaw puzzles. He loved dogs and kids. Together, he and Millie played golf, Bridge, Pinochle, and a daily game of Yahtzee. They embarked on many joint projects over the years. Both were avid readers, and when Millie lost her eyesight in her later years, Pat read novels aloud to her in the evenings.

Pat had many interests but his passion was hunting; specifically waterfowl and more specifically, geese. Anyone fortunate enough to hunt with him knew that Pat hunted like he lived - with patience, a sense of humor, and by the rules. He hunted as a young boy and well into his later years.

Pat was preceded in death by Millie, his beloved wife of 70 years, and many family members and friends. He is survived by his loving nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, great grand-nieces and -nephews, and in-laws.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to Pat’s care team: Dr. Masood of Altru Nephrology, Dr. Johnson of First Care Health Center in Park River, HAI Hospice, and Shelby, Bobbi and the staff at Good Samaritan Society Larimore.

Pat had a kind heart, a quiet steadiness, a big laugh. He loved to visit, and was referred to by many as “the nicest man” they’d ever known. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Happy Hunting, Pat Griffin.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, April 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Bakke Funeral Home in Larimore, with visitation at 10:00 a.m.

*** In lieu of flowers and memorials, please consider a donation to your favorite local organization.

Interment will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore.