Mary Jane Bertelsen Griffin

Mary Jane Bertelsen Griffin entered into her Eternal Resting place on June 3, 2023. 

Mary was born February 18, 1942 at the home of her parents, James W. and Emma H. Bertelsen, in Honey Creek, Iowa. She was of the Lutheran faith. Mary graduated from Underwood High School in 1961. After graduation, she attended Barnes Beauty School and began her career as a beauty operator. Wanting to do something different, she accepted a job with Council Bluffs Savings Bank in their Operations department. She married James W. Griffin, Sr. on March 15, 1979, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1981, they moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they made their home for 36 years. Mary continued her banking career there working for the Bank of Scottsdale and then 1st National Bank of Arizona from which she retired as Assistant Vice President of Operations. Her career in banking spanned over 50 years. They returned to Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 2018 to be closer to family. Mary had many hobbies. She loved decorating, cooking, tending to her flowers, reading and crafting. She had a passion for animals and most of all her dogs, Sammy, Nicko and Elmo, and Mary was fiercely dedicated to her employers. She never had children of her own, but was a mother to all her nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Bertelsen, sister-in-law, Doris Bertelsen and nephew, Lynn Bertelsen.

Mary is survived by her husband, Jim Griffin, Sr., her sister Judy Pingel (Bob), her nieces and nephews, Gail Bertelsen, Susan Schmidt (Gerry), Sheila Bertelsen, Kirsten Botello, Julie Pingel, Jim Pingel (Dixie), and Lori Lindberg (James), along with many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by four very special friends: Joyce, Priti, Vinay, and Nan. 

The family extends a very warm thank you to Hillcrest Hospice and especially Sasha and Nanette. Their dedication to Mary and her family was immeasurable.

Visitation is Thursday, June 8, 2023, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home.

Family and friends will meet at the Fisher Cemetery in Underwood, Iowa for a graveside service on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Midlands Humane Society in Mary’s name.