Leonard Craig, 95

Leonard John Craig, 95, died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, where he was a resident for the past four years. He dealt with Parkinson’s disease for a number of years.

Leonard was born January 3, 1917, the son of Joseph and Barbara (Prchal) Craig. He was born in Reno Township at the Craig family farm and attended school at Lake Mary District 14 through eighth grade.

Leonard was baptized in the Catholic Faith on June 22, 1941 and confirmed on June 29, 1941 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria by the Rev. William A. Renner.

On July 20, 1943, he was united in marriage to Lucille Chermak at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Alexandria, where he was a lifetime member. Leonard was a very faithful, loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In his younger years, Leonard worked as an electrician and plumber with Ole Hoplin in Lowry and also farmed his family farm. In 1953, they purchased a farm near Holmes City. He also worked for the Cudahy Meat Packing Plant in Alexandria for a short time, and then for Osbourne McMillan Elevator in Alexandria for 12 years. In 1966, he began working for the city of Alexandria for the street department, retiring in 1982.

He was a jack-of-all-trades and there wasn't a thing he couldn't do. After retirement he was fortunate to work part-time as a carpenter for Bud Chan. Carpentry was a passion of his, having done many building projects for all the family over the years. In his early 80s, Leonard purchased a 1974 Ford grain truck and enjoyed hauling grain for his sons during harvest. Leonard loved to deer hunt with his sons and grandsons. He was a favorite to all the family dogs, especially his own little Teddy.

Family members preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Farris (1928), Robert (1995); sister-in-law, Edna Craig (2002); infant grandson, Harlan Craig (1968); and a son-in-law, Dennis Lillis (1970).

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucille, of Knute Nelson home; children, Marvin (Susan) Craig of Holmes City, Maxine (Steven) Sonstebo of Fergus Falls, Joyce (Harlan) Janssen of Holmes City, Ronald Craig of Holmes City, Dennis (Gail) Craig of Holmes City and Wayne (Marilyn) Craig of Alexandria; 16 grandchildren, David (Wendy) Craig, Gerald (Jennifer) Craig, Jennifer (Rodney) Floding, Dale (Sarah) Craig, Kevin and Daryl Sonstebo, Lynette (Michael) Bauer, Rollin (Molly Fahlin) Janssen, Crystal (Kris) Sayre, Darrin (Shannon) Craig, Jeffrey Craig, Kasey, Trevor and Landon Craig, Callie and Trista Craig; and 18 great-grandchildren, MacKenzie and Jerry Craig, Melanie Craig, Mitchel and Alisah Floding, Briana, Morgan and Quiyn Craig, Chase and Cole Sonstebo, Luke and Wyatt Bauer, Abigail Janssen, Taylor, Ashton and Makena Sayre, Kadin and Kendal Craig: one step-great-grandchild, Melissa; and three sisters-in-law, Lorraine Chermak of St. Paul, Emily Trousil of Alexandria, Charlotte Seeman of Maplewood; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Interment was at the church cemetery. Casket bearers were Leonard’s grandsons and honorary casket bearers were his granddaughters.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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