Muriel F. Griefenhagen

Muriel Griefenhagen was born on September 2, 1923.   On December 25, 2020, Heaven gained a “Christmas Angel” when she passed away at the age of 97 years from her long courageous fight against COVID.  She was a devoted and dedicated mother and always put her children first and foremost, a fierce Mama Bear. She treasured her children, embraced every moment with them and loved spending time with her family, especially during holidays and family celebrations. She was amazing, the rock of our family and was the strongest woman we have ever known.  Her strength got her through obstacles life put in her way and some really hard times, but she still got up every morning and somehow found the strength she needed to love and care for her children. She always told us the truth even if it wasn’t what we wanted to hear. These words of encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes comfort taught us the meaning of respect for ourselves and others and gave us something to pass down to our children. She was a kind and gentle person who was always concerned about others and accepting of anyone who walked through her door.  She was a very caring, giving person her entire life.  All who loved her dearly will never forget her compassion and loving heart, her undying love, caring and support for them.  She had a smile that could light up a room and a zest for life that will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Thelma Varnum; brother, Charles Varnum Sr.; husband, Arthur Griefenhagen; son, Robert Griefenhagen; great-grandson, Zachary McGee; granddaughter, Lisa Tucker; step-granddaughter, Ramona Yurkew; brother and sister in laws, Edwin and Carol Griefenhagen; and nephews, Steven Griefenhagen and Charles Varnum Jr. She is survived by 7 of her children, Marjorie (David) Larsen, Diana (Gerald) Schleicher, Jon (Deb) Griefenhagen Sr., Kris (David) Garrick, David (Roxanne) Griefenhagen Sr., Susan (Gerald) Williams, Sally (Dan) Makolondra; daughter-in-law, Debbie Griefenhagen; and stepson, Steven (Linda) Bartholomay. Proud grandmother of 28 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren as well as a great-grandchild and a great-great-grandchild due in March and April of 2021; and many loving family and friends. We would like to thank the caring hearts of the nurses and medical staff at the Cerenity Care Center in White Bear Lake, St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, and St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul for their compassion and care in her final days. Due to COVID restrictions we will be having a Celebration of Life at a later date.