Fr. Patrick Griffin

Fr. Patrick E. Griffin, age 79, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Catholic Eldercare on Main in Minneapolis.

Patrick Emmett was born on September 24, 1941 in Lonsdale, MN to John J. and Kathryn (McGuiness) Griffin.  A proud son of Shieldsville, MN, and product of Bethlehem Academy, he was formed in faith, love and his Irish heritage by the people of the Church of St. Patrick, and was ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul/Minneapolis. Coming from the country, for nearly 54 years he served God’s people in suburbs and city, with a special care for the poor and most vulnerable in our midst. And all of it was accompanied by a twinkle in his eye, a big grin, and a generous wit. He is already deeply missed.

Deep gratitude goes to the incredible staff of Catholic Eldercare for their care and dedication to Patrick’s well-being, especially during this pandemic. They often added being the daily presence of family and friends to their heavy workload, and did so with good cheer and rich kindness.

He is survived by his brother, John Griffin (Bernadine), and his sister, Sr. Sheila Griffin O.P.; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathryn, his brother Gerald, and his sister-in-law Mary (Jirik).

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, MN.  Interment will be at the St. Patrick Church Cemetery in Shieldsville.

All are welcomed to watch the livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial through a link on Fr. Patrick’s obituary page at www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com.  A public memorial will also be held at a later date.

Memorials preferred to Catholic Eldercare (www.catholiceldercare.org) or St. Stephen’s Human Services (www.ststephensmpls.org). For online tributes and further information, please visit www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com.