Submitted by: Dan Rich

Charles Wesley Griffin

Jan. 24, 1923 - Jan. 24, 2007

South Bend Tribune 1/25/2007
MISHAWAKA - Charles Wesley Griffin, 84, of Mishawaka, IN, died at 6:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Hubbard Hill Estates Retirement Community, Elkhart, IN, following a short illness. Mr. Griffin was born Jan. 24, 1923, in South Bend, to the late Charles W. and Wayve (Butler) Griffin, and had lived in South Bend since 2000, coming from Elkhart.

On June 12, 1948, in Rochester, IN, he married Catherine L. McGreevey, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Becky (Jerry) Lutkus of Granger, IN; a son, Charles W. (Sandra) Griffin of Covert, MI; and three grandchildren, Kate, Jamie and Danny Lutkus. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Schenck and Lucille Comegys. He retired in 1982 as the owner of Automotive Exhaust Specialists with locations in Valparaiso, Chesterton and Portage, IN.

"Spinner grew up and raced cares for many happy years in the South Bend area. After serving three years in the Pacific theater in World War II, he met his wife of 58 years at IU Bloomington and proposed at McCormick's Creek. Life took Catherine and Charles to many interesting places. He was a proud owner of his own business in Valparaiso, Indiana, where they made their home for 25 years. After his children grew up and left, Catherine and Charles began to travel extensively. He loved playing golf in Mexico for eight winters, as well as enjoying the sun in Florida. He also lived in Chesterton, Beverly Shores, Elkhart and Mishawaka. Chuck was an avid race car fan all of his life. His favorite activity was switching between the History Channel and whatever race he could find on TV. Chuck spent his final years enjoying his family and watching Notre Dame and Bears football.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hubbard Hills Nursing Home for their warm and tender care during his last few days with us.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Rev. William Schooler officiating. Cremation will follow. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 25, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, and in the church one hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's School in Chesterton, IN.