Bill Craig

John William Craig (Bill), resident of Warren, MN, formerly of Ridgway, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022 unexpectedly at North Valley Health Center. 

Bill was born July 21, 1954 in Eldorado, IL to the late John Clifton and Mary Catherine (Cox) Craig.

Bill was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Warren and previously was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldorado. He graduated 8th grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School and in 1972 graduated from Eldorado Township High School.

He was married to Connie Olson Craig on July 3, 1976. They started their family and Steven was born in 1977; followed by the adoption of their two daughters, Krissy in 1981, and Katie in 1989. 

Having grown up on a diversified grain and livestock farm, he was active in the agriculture industry from a young age with 4H and FFA. After graduating with a BS Degree in Agricultural Industries/Economics from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, he continued his passion with a lifelong career in agriculture. While living in Mapleton,MN, he worked for Blue Earth County Coop and was on the Volunteer Fire Dept . Bill moved with his family back to Ridgway IL, and continued his passion in Agriculture working for Crop Production Services for 10 years. 

Bill moved to Warren with his family in 1996, Bill settled into his life's work of helping families market, manage, and finance their farms- keeping the future in mind for the next generations. He worked strictly in finance before going back to school in 2000, earning his Masters degree in education from University of Minnesota Duluth. Bill specialized in teaching about farm and risk management and retired from the University of Minnesota Extension Office in 2014.

Following his retirement, Bill kept very busy in the community. In addition to being the Ag Director for both Marshall and Pennington (MN) counties for many years, Bill was a county Ag Inspector, Grant Writer, Plot Coordinator; and elected Chairman of both the Marshall Co. Soybean/Corn Growers Association as well as the International Crops. He was a member of the Warren Volunteer Ambulance Corp. and Lions Club International, served on the W/A/O Public Education Foundation Board and was a commissioner with the Warren Housing and Redevelopment Authority.  

Bill will always be remembered for his smile, kind heart, and generosity. He was known for his sense of humor and bringing a smile to people's faces. One of his biggest passions was being in service to the community. 

Bill's other two great passions were watching his grandsons, Blaise and Blair grow up. Whether it was sports or racing, Bill was always cheering his boys on from the sidelines.

Bill is survived by his children, Steven Craig of Burbank, CA, Krissy (Joey) Potucek of Warren; and Katie (Mary) Gonzalez of Brainerd, MN; grandsons, Blaise and Blair Potucek; siblings, Patricia (Lawrance) Hedger, Debra Cox, and Mike (Lisa) Craig; several nieces and nephews; and former wife, Connie Olson. He is also survived by his beloved, Nona Tweten of Thief River Falls, MN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents Elisha & Helen Craig and Clem & Hannah Cox, and a niece Jessica Hedger.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Warren, MN.

A RECORDING OF THE FUNERAL MASS MAY BE FOUND HERE: https://www.facebook.com/DuBoreFuneralHome/videos/1308990242897541

VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: St. Mary Cemetery,  Eldorado, IL