MASON CITY — Kenny Ray Griffin, 60, of Mason City, died at his home on July 13, 2026, leaving behind memories of a creative craftsman, loyal friend and generous man who found great satisfaction in making things with his hands and giving them to others.
Kenny was born July 24, 1965, to Kenneth and Pam (Cooley) Griffin and attended schools in the Waterloo Community School District.
According to his obituary, Kenny worked in construction and cement work before eventually making Mason City his home. In Mason City, he became involved with Affordable Marketplace, where he was known for pitching in wherever help was needed. He also worked as a janitor at Curries.
Kenny possessed an unusual ability to build, fix and transform things.
Woodworking was among his favorite pursuits, and he fashioned canes, walking sticks, knife handles and other handmade pieces. He also experimented with blacksmithing, turning discarded metal and even old cast-iron cookware into functional creations such as handmade spatulas. Leatherworking was another craft he explored.
Much of what Kenny made ultimately ended up in someone else’s hands. His obituary notes that he often preferred giving away his creations rather than keeping them himself, a reflection of the generosity for which friends and family remembered him.
Kenny also had a fascination with just about anything on wheels. Classic automobiles, motorcycles and toy cars all caught his interest, and he enjoyed collecting small treasures, including Disney items that he frequently shared with friends.
Video games provided another favorite pastime, sometimes leading to gaming sessions with friends at virtually any hour.
The outdoors held a special place in Kenny’s life as well.
One of his favorite birthday traditions was camping with friends, particularly at Lime Creek Nature Center near Mason City. He enjoyed animals, nature and nights spent beneath the stars.
His obituary describes a particularly personal connection Kenny felt with the night sky. He would look toward the moon, affectionately calling it “Mother Moon,” as he thought about and spoke to his late mother.
Those closest to Kenny also remembered a playful side dating back to his younger years, when time spent playing in creeks and teasing his siblings created stories that remained part of the family’s shared memories decades later.
Friends remembered Kenny as someone willing to help others without expecting much in return. Whether through his handmade gifts, his willingness to lend a hand or simply his friendship, he developed relationships that clearly meant a great deal to him.
He also deeply loved his cat, Frankie.
Kenny is survived by a son he never had the opportunity to meet; his brothers, Pete Griffin, Kevin Griffin and Jeff Smith; sisters, Jennifer Gilbert and Judy Green; niece Kayla Ahlers; nephew Austin Franklin; four additional nieces and nephews; cousin John Karstens; dear friend Robin Lovell and her children, Corry and Krystal; and many treasured friends, including Toni Crotti, Shelley Olinger Hutchens, Doug Coop and Deidre Faulkner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Pam Griffin, and friends Red Marvin and Justin Lovell.
Per Kenny’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Crematory & Cemetery in Mason City is assisting with arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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