Obituary: Danny Leon Griffith, 71, of Ludington

May 20, 2024

Dan Griffith

Danny Leon Griffith, 71, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at his home in Ludington.  Born in Union City, Ohio, Dan moved to Ludington with his three older sisters and parents at the age of 3.  He graduated from Ludington High School in 1971.  Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Kathryn Ruba and they were wed at Sacred Heart Church in Victory Township on August 10, 1973. They remained faithfully married for 50 years.  Dan was thoroughly a family man.  He made every effort to support his wife and two daughters in all of their endeavors, sacrificing sleep and comfort to encourage and assist them.  Later in life, his six grandchildren became a great source of joy.  He spoiled them endlessly and unabashedly.   

Dan worked at Great Lakes Casting, LLC, retiring in 2016 after 45 years in a variety of positions, but most recently as a quality control inspector.  He was a dedicated and hardworking man, with particular attention to quality and detail.  He was also a jokester, rarely without a smile on his face.  He loved to laugh and to make others laugh with his quick wit.  He was expert at hospitality, putting the extra effort into making guests feel welcomed and cared for.  He courageously battled many health issues in his later life, without complaint and with total trust in the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary (Avra) Griffith; sister Betty (Reg) Flewelling; and sister Shirley Lovewell.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Griffith; daughter Holly Griffith-Alway and Chris Stefanich; daughter Amanda (Michael) Fort and their six children, Daniel, Bailey, Briege, Joseph, Micah and Lillianne; his sister Becky (James) Petersen, brother-in-law Harold Lovewell, and aunt Donna Sipes; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank all those who have taken such good care of Dan these past many months, especially the staff at Blodgett Hospital, Corewell Health Visiting Nurse Association, Hamlin Township Fire Department first responders and EMS, as well as all those who have acted as our prayer warriors uplifting and encouraging us.

Dan was a member of St Simon Catholic Church and his life will be celebrated there on Tuesday, May 21. Family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. with a Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow in the St Simon Family Center.  Memorial contributions may be made to Will Strong Foundation willstrongfoundation.net or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.