Jerry “Kokie” Griffin, 70, of Freeport died Friday in his home following a brief illness. He was born April 22, 1939 in Freeport the son of Leroy and Mary (Meyers) Griffin. On February 24, 1968 he married Dianne Lorenze in Freeport. Kokie served in the United State Air Force from 1956-1958 at Mt. Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Kokie was later active with the Stephenson County Chapter of VietNow and worked on the All Veterans Memorial Park. Kokie was a 46 year employee of Modern Plating Corp. He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Stephenson County Antique Engine Club and the Bollon Car Club. Kokie was Santa Claus for over 50 years for various groups and organizations in the Freeport area. Kokie was a well known drummer in many local bands which included, “Flame, ‘The Fugitives”, ‘The Corvairs”, ‘The Tortures”, “Rockin Robert’s Band”, “The Sundance Band” and “The 2 of us” with Marion Barnhart. He was also a D.J., Kokie’s Rock & Roll Replay. Kokie is survived by his wife, Dianne. His daughter, Kelly (Mike) Thruman of Freeport. His grandchildren, Claire and Matthew Thruman. Two brothers; Leroy “Dutch” (Marge) Griffin of Alliance, Oh. And James Griffin of Del City, Ok. Three sisters; Shirley Frost of Garfield, Ark., Patricia Swalve of Peoria and Bonnie “Snook” (James) Swift of Forreston. Also his special friend, Maryna Misiewicz and his Godson, Gary Pfeiffer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Stepmother, Bernice Griffin and his brother William. Funeral mass for Mr. Griffin will be Tuesday, 2:00 P.M. in Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Freeport. Rev. Howard Barch, Pastor will officiate. Visitation will be Monday 4:00-7:00 P.M. in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport and from 1:00 P.M. until time of mass Tuesday at Saint Joseph. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Freeport.
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