William J. Griffiths -- Austin
Jun 30, 1998

AUSTIN -- The funeral for William J. Griffiths will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato, Minn., with the Revs. Joseph Pete and Charles Lachowitzer co-officiating. Private burial wil be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Mr. Griffiths, 67, died at his home Sunday (June 28, 1998) in Austin.

He was born Jan. 25, 1931, in Manchester, N.H., graduated from Manchester High School, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Mankato Teachers College. He joined the Navy in 1950 and served for four years. He married Agnews "Ag" Dittrich on June 14, 1952, in New Ulm, Minn. They were later divorced. Mr. Griffiths was a teacher, counselor and coach for schools in Morgan, New Ulm and Austin, and for more than 30 years was a basketball and football referee at area high schools and post-secondary schools. He worked for Mankato State University for 20 years as associate director for career development and placement including three years in athletic promotions. He lived in Mankato before moving to Austin in 1987. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks Club, Moose Lodge and Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed golf and darts.

Survivors include a daughter, Kathryn (Mrs. Brian) Ojampa of Mankato; three sons, Douglas of Minneapolis, Dan of Green Bay, Wis., and Patrick of Mankato; four grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret and Joan of New Hampshire and Jane of Florida. He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Mankato Mortuary.