Dianne L. Griffin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dianne (Lorenze) Griffin, also known to many as Mrs. Santa Claus, passed away at the age of 75 on July 20, 2022. She was born on December 27, 1946, to Leo and Clara (Samuelson) Lorenze at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport, Illinois. She was a proud graduate of the Freeport High School class of 1964. She met and married her beloved Jerry Joe “Kokie” Griffin on February 24, 1968, and they celebrated 41 wonderful years together. They were blessed in 1972 to have their precious Kelly complete their family. Dianne loved her little redhead with all her heart. Dianne worked in several jobs. Her first full time job was as an operator with Northwest Telephone Company and retired from Verizon after 29 years. She also worked at Royal Sun and Alliance, Swiss Colony, and Newell Rubbermaid. She was past president of the Jane Addams Chapter of American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and loved to attend the associations’ conferences throughout the United States. She was on the board of the Stateline Area Crimestoppers and volunteered for Northwest Illinois CONTACT and the Stephenson County Senior Resource Center. She was a life member of the Freeport Chapter, VietNow. Growing up Dianne spent many good times swimming with her lifelong friend Maryann Pfeiffer at Lake Kegonsa, Wisconsin. Dianne and Kokie shared their joy of being Mrs. and Mr. Santa Claus for many years. Together they visited many area homes, businesses, organizations, schools and even the Army Reserve unit when it was in Freeport. Dianne followed her Kokie to many jam sessions when Kokie was playing for Flame and other rock and roll bands. She enjoyed being in the telephone company’s kitchen band even though she could not carry a tune, but she could play the kazoo. She enjoyed playing, not very well and she would admit it, on the CONTEL women’s softball team. She also enjoyed playing euchre in a small card club for many years. She was a good cook even though some kidded her about making recipes with only three ingredients. Dianne will be missed by many. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Brian Nott) Griffin, grandchildren Claire and Matthew Thruman, her brother James (Deb) Lorenze of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, nieces and nephews Leah, Scott, Jullie, Katie and Kevin. She will also be missed by her special friend Maryna Misiewicz and her many friends from ABWA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kokie and her grandson Kyle. A visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Friday, July 29, 2022, also at Burke Tubbs. Visitation 10:00 am until the time of service. FHN Hospice Chaplain Jeremy Heller will be officiating. Condolences can be left for the family at www.burketubbs.com. A memorial has been established in her name. Dianne's family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to FHN Hospice for the wonderful care they showed to their loved one.

Dianne L. Griffin

December 27, 1946 - July 20, 2022