William “Bill” Joseph Griffin, age 73, known to his canoe buddies as “Griff,” passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, at Aver McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by his family.

No local service will be held.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota.

William “Bill” Joseph Griffin was born on October 11, 1950, to Violet and Joe Griffin.  Bill was a beacon of adventure to all who knew him.  Bill’s life was forever changed in the summer of 1967 during a church youth group camping trip to Northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). This experience sparked a lifelong passion for the BWCA. Bill dedicated his life to returning to the BWCA and introducing its magic to countless others.  Bill’s connection to the BWCA was profound, serving as a sanctuary where he could be himself and commune with God. He spent every free moment planning and taking trips, sharing the BWCA’s beauty with hundreds of people. Known for his captivating stories, one of Bill’s favorite tales involved a bear that repeatedly broke into his pickup truck while car camping.

On June 26, 1971, Bill married the love of his life, Ruthann. They made their home in Red Wing, MN, where they lived for 37 years. In 1980 they welcomed their daughter, Kacie. As much as Bill loved the BWCA, he loved his family more. 

Bill graduated from Mankato State in 1972 with a degree in Art Education and, teaching art to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. He believed in the artistic process over perfection, a philosophy he applied to all areas of his life.  After retiring from teaching at Kenyon-Wanamingo School in May 2009, Bill and Ruthann moved to Ely, Minnesota, fulfilling their dream of living near the BWCA. They hosted many guests at their home, The Wolf Den, sharing the beauty of Northern Minnesota.  In the spring of 2024, Bill and Ruthann moved to Yankton, South Dakota, to be closer to Kacie and her family. Bill cherished frequent visits with his daughter, son-in-law Dan Johnson, and grandchildren Cora, Griffin, and Beatrice.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ruthann; daughter and son-in-law, Kacie and Dan Johnson; grandchildren: Cora, Griffin, and Beatrice Johnson; brothers: Tom Griffin and David Root; sisters: Belinda Bertolozzi and Diane Wagner and sister-in-law, Lora Schumacher.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Violet Root; father, Joseph Griffin; stepfather, Kenneth Root; sister, Jeanne Romaine; brothers: David Griffin and Dennis Root and brother-in-law, Dennis Poole.

In remembrance of Bill, take time to explore the beauty of nature, cherish moments of adventure, and share stories with loved ones, keeping his adventurous spirit alive.

To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.