Ronald "Ronnie" Eugene Griffin

Ronald “Ronnie” Eugene Griffin, age 75, of Albia, IA, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Ronnie was born on December 13, 1949, in Albia, IA, to Raymond and Marie (Kosman) Griffin. He grew up attending school and graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1968. On December 21, 1970, he was united in marriage to Janet Bettis and to this union, two children, Kim and Nick, were born. Ronnie and Janet shared 54 years of marriage prior to his passing. Ronnie served his country in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. Upon that completion, he was ordered to report for duty at Aviation School at Fort Rucker in Alabama and join the 116th Assault Helicopter Company. There he completed the United States Army Aviation School UH-1 Repair Course. Ronnie served his country as a helicopter mechanic from November 1970 until he was honorably discharged on May 3, 1971. The 116th Assault Helicopter Company, also known as the "Hornets" earned a reputation for excellence and was considered an elite unit during the Vietnam War. The 116th was known for operating UH-1 "Huey" helicopters which became iconic during the war. Ronnie also worked at Goff & Nash in Albia for many years before opening his own business, Ron’s Mechanic Shop in 1990, which he owned and operated until his retirement at the end of 2016. Ronnie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia as well as the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136 in Albia. He was extremely talented and with his engineering mind, could fix anything. He was a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed car shows and taking his Impala on the Hot Rod Power Tours. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan as well as Nascar, especially Hendricks Motorsports drivers. In recent years, he has enjoyed working on sprint cars, attending vintage races as well as weekly races in Oskaloosa, with a highlight being getting to drive the car. Ronnie coached the Reds Little League team when his son played, it was quickly obvious that he thrived as a coach to young boys, always patient, encouraging, dedicated to helping every player improve, and teaching more than just baseball. He really loved to watch his grandchildren’s events, attending these events was a source of great joy and pride. Above all else, Ronnie’s family was everything to him and he cherished all of the time spent with them. In every moment, Ronnie’s love was constant and unconditional, always offering support and care without hesitation. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Janet; his children, Kim (KC) Powell and Nick (Lindsey) Griffin; 5 grandchildren, Addison, Ellerson, and Emmerson Powell and Henry and Finley Griffin; his mother, Marie Griffin; his siblings, Jerry (Linda) Griffin, Joyce (Gilbert) Robinson, Patty See, Dave (Cheryl) Griffin, Donnie (Sherri) Griffin, Robert (Carla) Griffin, and Denise Patton; and in-laws, Susan Murphy and Elaine (Del) Griffin. Ronnie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Ronnie is preceded in death by his father, Ray Griffin; brothers-in-law, Brad Patton, Dave See, Jim Flahive, and Ed Murphy; a sister-in-law, Diane Flahive; and a nephew, Shawn Shaffer. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Ronnie’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and a time of remembrance to share stories/memories of Ronnie will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, 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. The family would like to invite people to drive their classic cars in honor of Ronnie. Memorials have been established to the American Legion in Albia and St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Albia.

Ronald "Ronnie" Eugene Griffin

December 13, 1949 - April 5, 2025