Gilbert Grant Griffee

Gilbert Grant Griffee, aged 95, of Marysville, Kansas, peacefully passed away on February 7, 2025, at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

Gilbert’s life and legacy was celebrated during a visitation on Sunday, February 9, from noon to 4 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary, with the family welcoming friends from noon to 2 p.m. 

A funeral service in honor of Gilbert was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 10, also at Kinsley Mortuary.  The funeral was live streamed on the Kinsley Mortuary Facebook page.

The pallbearers were Glen Griffee, John Linder, Lynn Holle, Ron Milner, Devin Griffee and Gary Resco.

He was laid to rest at the Marysville City Cemetery following the service.

Born on January 27, 1930, in Marshall County, Kansas, Gilbert was the youngest of six children born to Grant and Viola (Swank) Griffee. He spent his formative years on a family farm southwest of Marysville and proudly served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. A dedicated farmer, Gilbert enjoyed working alongside his wife, Virginia, throughout his life.

His commitment to faith was a cornerstone of Gilbert’s life, which began in his teenage years and remained steadfast thereafter. On November 27, 1957, he married Virginia L. Unruh. Together, they started their family in Wichita, Kansas, where Gilbert worked for John Weitzel, an airplane parts manufacturer. In 1959, they moved back to the family farm southwest of Marysville, where he lived until October 2024. Gilbert and Virginia shared a rich life together, farming and creating beautiful woodworking projects for family and friends—Gilbert was particularly skilled as a cabinet maker.

Professionally, Gilbert worked for Thompson Lumber from 1964 to 1968 and then joined Tension Envelope, where he was among the first employees to train in Kansas City before returning to the Marysville factory. After dedicating many years to the company, Gilbert retired from Tension Envelope in 1994. He cherished working alongside his sons, Ted and Calvin, both of whom contributed to the family farming and worked at Tension Envelope.

Gilbert is survived by his two sons, Ted (Julee) Griffee of Marysville and Calvin Griffee of Blue Rapids; two step-granddaughters, Shelby Friedrichs and Jackie (Nate) Jensen; six step-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; and twelve nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Virginia; two brothers; three sisters; five brothers-in-law; two nephews; and two nieces.

In memory of Gilbert’s life, a memorial fund has been established, with specific designations to be determined in the future. Contributions may be directed to Kinsley Mortuary.

Gilbert Grant Griffee will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend, whose legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family will carry on in the hearts of those who knew him.