Obituary of Richard Griffel

Richard Paul "Rich" Griffel, 71 of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday evening, September 8, 2015 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Rich was born on October 1, 1943 to Gilbert and Mary (Kessinger) Griffel in Carlinville, IL. He was a graduate of Carlinville High School with the class of 1961, as well as a graduate of Purdue University, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Rich married Betty McPherson and they later divorced. He then married Janet (Grichnik) Gwillim on October 18, 1997 at the Carlinville United Methodist Church in Carlinville and she survives. Rich was a lifetime claims adjuster for several insurance companies, retiring in 2000. He was a member of Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville and enjoyed coffee at Hardee's, watching football and helping on the family farm. Rich is survived by his wife, Janet Griffel of Carlinville; son, William Edwin (Stephanie) Griffel of Lafayette, IN; two daughters, Rachel Leigh (Scot) Fitzgerald of Canton, SD and Kimberly Ann (Tim) Collins of Sioux Falls, SD; two step daughters, Toni (Mark) Stewart of Carlinville, IL and Dena (Jr) Roller of Girard, IL; step son, Lonnie Gwillim of Carlinville; 3 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill (Nancy) Griffel of Ft. Dodge, IA and Ed (Judee) Griffel of Carlinville, as well as 2 nephews and a niece. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Lance Griffel. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10:00 am at the funeral home in Carlinville with Rev. Michael Haag officiating. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital located in Memphis, TN. Online condolences can be given at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.