Donald W. Griffin

Donald “Don” Wilber Griffin, 96, of Moline, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on October 31, 2025, while watching westerns in his favorite easy chair. He was born in Rock Island, the only child of Owen and Ruth (Case) Griffin.

Don graduated from Rock Island High School in 1947 and later married the love of his life, Elinor Jane (Larson) Griffin, on December 17, 1949. They shared an extraordinary marriage of 73 years—truly one in a million—before Elinor’s passing in 2022. Together, they raised four sons and built a life grounded in faith, laughter, and love.

He is survived by his sons Bruce (Mary) Griffin, Michael (Joni) Griffin, and Mark (Julia) Griffin, all of Moline; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Griffin, Moline; nine grandchildren: Michael (Tatum) Griffin, Eric (Jennifer) Griffin, Katie (Jason) Trent, Stefanie Cooper, Brett (Cara) Griffin, Christopher (Scott Rexroat) Griffin, Amanda (Jason) DeLaCruz, Daniel (Lindsay) Griffin, and Emily (Charles) Stene; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Elinor, and eldest son Steven Griffin.

Don’s strong work ethic began early. His very first job was as a coal stoker for the W.J. Quinlan Ferry, which crossed the Mississippi River from Rock Island to Davenport. In his younger years, he owned and operated a gas station at the Five Points in Rock Island, which he ran until a road rerouting diverted traffic from the station, forcing its closure. He went on to work for Baker’s Dairy, American Family Insurance, and other local businesses before joining the John Deere Technical Center, where he traveled the world testing and developing new agricultural equipment. He retired after 29 years of dedicated service.

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Don served for many years on the Rock Island County Chapter Committee of Ducks Unlimited and was an active member of both the Quad City Conservation Alliance (QCCA) and In-Fisherman. He found great joy at his summer home in Bagley, Wisconsin, where he and Elinor spent countless days fishing, boating, and gathering with friends and family.

Don also devoted time to mentoring youth, coaching in the William Carr and Babe Ruth Baseball Leagues in Moline, where he inspired generations of young players with his encouragement and love of the game.

He was a proud Naval Reserve Veteran and a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, University of Illinois Fighting Illini, and Moline Maroons—taking great joy in seeing each win a championship in his lifetime.

Don loved a good book (especially those by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour), a good joke, and good company. He will be remembered for his humor, warm heart, steadfast values, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Wendt Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Vikings Club in Moline. Interment will be at Moline Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to QC Paws, Moline M Men Club, or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his tribute page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.