Steven C. Griffin

After a brave battle with end-stage renal failure, Steven Curtis Griffin passed away on June 19, 2023, at the age of 71. Steve was born March 19, 1952, to Owen (Curtis) Griffin and Betty Hughes. He grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1970.

Steve was an agricultural economist by training. He held a Bachelor's and Master's in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University. He was also a qualified doctoral candidate, having completed all coursework and qualifying exams (i.e., “all but dissertation”) for a Ph.D. in economics at Iowa State University. He continued his education throughout his career, earning many certifications and multiple insurance licenses.

Steve often said he never needed any hobbies because he got the privilege of loving his work. He started his professional career with a faculty position at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor specializing in farm and ranch management, production economics, and risk. Over the next few decades, he was employed by several crop insurance companies throughout the Midwest with various operational and executive responsibilities. Eventually, he returned to the classroom as an undergraduate and graduate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and business statistics instructor for local Des Moines colleges and universities.

Steve met his “honey,” Lela, in a computer lab at Iowa State University, and they were married in 1977. Together for 45 years, they loved playing board games, going on road trips, and sharing stories. But most of all, they enjoyed raising their three sons and spending time with their two grandchildren.

Steve could talk for hours (and hours) about agriculture, World War II, and politics. But also about growing up in Oklahoma, his FFA adventures, and his early career innovations. And also about economics, the price of soybeans, and the various species of grass. And also… well, just about anything you’d let him talk about. He was a smart man, sometimes too smart. He was always up for a good debate and enjoyed trying to solve the world’s problems over the phone with his friends and family.

He coached his sons’ soccer teams for 15 years, taught Sunday School for 15 years, and proudly attended all of his sons’ many football games, basketball games, school plays, and mime shows. He would say his jokes were always funny and consistently made himself laugh. He made us laugh, too.

Steve is survived by his wife, Lela; his sons, Scott (Teal) Williams, Sam (Kevin) Griffin-McCarthy, and Spencer Griffin; his grandchildren, Max Williams and Addie Williams; siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and very dear friends.

His visitation will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope on Monday, June 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will also be held at Hope on Tuesday, June 27, at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow. A private burial will take place at a later date in Steve’s beloved Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, hug your family and friends and tell them you love them. Memorials may be given in Steve’s name to the cause of your choice. If it is important to you, then it would have been important to him.

The service will be live-streamed at http://hopeonline.tv/specialevents

Lutheran Church of Hope: 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266.