Obits: Craig L. Camarigg, 87, Sanborn

A funeral service for Craig L. Camarigg was held Monday, May 11, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hospers. Rev. Dr. Brian Janssen officiated.

Pallbearers were Mark Bohnet, Teague Camarigg, Ethan Camarigg, David Camarigg, Elicia Camarigg and Emily Camarigg. Honorary pallbearers were Justin Bohnet, Jonathan Camarigg, Jason Camarigg, Rebecca Philipsen, Angela Drake and Andrea Winslow. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Military graveside rites were conducted by Sanborn American Legion, Earl T. Conaway Post #318. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Craig Lee Camarigg, son of Chrissie Lee and Amanda Martha (Zeglin) Camarigg, was born Aug. 16, 1932 on his parents’ farm near Cushing. He spent his youth in the Correctionville area along with his brother, Dean, and sister, Marlys, before moving to Sheldon in 1946. He received his early education through the country school system as well as the Sheldon Public School.

When Craig was 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for four years, 1-1/2 of them being stationed at Port Lyautey, French Morocco. Following his honorable discharge, Craig returned home and resumed his position as press operator at the Sheldon Sun newspaper at Sheldon, where he had been employed before his military duty.

On March 9, 1956, Craig was united in marriage to Cornelia Greta Vande Hoef at the Bethel Reformed Church in Sheldon. The couple made their home in Sheldon for the next two years while Craig worked for the newspaper. They became parents of three children: Alan, Dwayne and Denise.

When the Sun ended operation, Craig was employed for a time with newspapers in Sumner, Clarion and Paullina. In 1964, he and his family moved to Sanborn and he began working at the Sanborn Pioneer. By 1971, Craig was ready to tap into another natural talent he’d always enjoyed, working with wood. He began his own construction business, building homes, farm structures and taking on remodeling projects. In 1983, he had an opportunity to farm, so he added agriculture to his construction business. His days were full and long, but rewarding. Over the years he was able to work alongside his sons, teaching them the finer points of crafting with wood and the value in doing not only a good job, but an honest one.

Craig never lost his interest in woodworking. After he retired he enjoyed many contented hours out in his shop, repairing and building furniture. He also was “pretty good” with a pool cue and liked to sharpen his skill with his friends on a weekly basis. Quieter times gave him a chance to concentrate on a good jigsaw puzzle.

He was a member of the Sanborn American Legion and the Hospers Presbyterian Church of America at Hospers.

On Thursday, May 7, 2020, Craig passed from this life to eternal peace at the age of 87 years, eight months and 22 days. Keeping his memory close at heart are his wife and companion of 64 years, Cornelia, of Sanborn; children: Alan (Wanda) Camarigg, of Hills, Minn.; Dwayne (Elizabeth “Libby”) Camarigg and Denise (Mark) Bohnet, of Sanborn; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Preceding him were his parents, Chrissie and Amanda Camarigg; brother, Dean Camarigg; sister, Marlys Langholz; and grandson, Jarrod Camarigg.