Theresa A. Griggs, 77, of Waukee passed away on Oct. 15, 2024, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines.
Theresa was born on Jan. 11, 1947, to Harold and Grayce Nicolaus of Wilton. She graduated from Wilton High School and then pursued a degree in education at the University of Iowa. Throughout her life she had the opportunity to travel all over the world with her parents and explore Hawaii. She taught until her daughter Jennifer was born. She was a stay-at-home mom to her children, Jennifer and Todd, until she went back to work in the area of insurance underwriting.
Theresa retired at the age of 55. She traveled with her late husband Larry, gardened, and spent much time with her adoring grandchildren and dogs. She was active within her chapter of PEO and enjoyed attending book club and playing cards. She loved cooking for her family and was regularly sharing treats that she had baked for them.
She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Latcham and her husband Paul of Waukee; Todd Dohrmann and his wife Carrie of Waukee; her brother George Nicolaus and his wife Connie of Chico, Calif.; and her four grandchildren, Brittney (Latcham) Berry, Nicolaus Latcham, Brooke Dohrmann and Alex Dohrmann.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, Larry Griggs; and numerous spoiled pets she adored over the years.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 12:30 p.m., both at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee. Theresa will be laid to rest at the Oakdale Cemetery in Wilton. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Terri’s final arrangements.
Custom obituary