Mankato resident, Archie S. “Opa” Griffiths, 81, died Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at his home. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at Belgrade Ave. United Methodist Church in North Mankato, with Rev. Bart Fletcher, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Archie was born April 7, 1928, in Judson Township to Spencer and Eunice (Evans) Griffiths. On February 8, 1951, he married Emma (Grau) Drake. On May 2, 1970, he married Regina (Buurman) Evans. He served in the U.S. Army from October 25, 1950 until October 9, 1956. He worked for the Railroad, Continental Can, and Kato Engineering. Archie loved to do volunteer work. He drove for VINE, rang bells for the Salvation Army, volunteered at church and was a member of McDonalds afternoon coffee club. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, VFW and Belgrade Ave. United Methodist Church.
Archie is survived by son, Evan Griffiths of Marshall; daughter, LaVena Crivea (John II) of Piedmont, SC; stepsons, Evan (Karen) Evans of St. Cloud, Henry (Deb) Evans of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Donald, David, and Geeta Evans, Michael, Nathan and Aimee Schultz; great-grandchildren, Bethany, Isabelle, Arielle, Alexis, Daryn, and Kolton; brother, Edwin Griffiths of Woodbury, MN; sisters, Ardys Drake of Tracy, MN, Eleanor Osdoba of Mankato.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives, 2 children and 1 brother.
