Susan Alice Craig, the daughter of Richard and June (Radil) Chan was born on August 21, 1948, in Starbuck, MN. She grew up on a farm by Lowry, MN. Susan attended the little one-room country school just a mile down the road from their homestead. In 1966, she proudly graduated from Glenwood High School. After high school, Susan attended Alexandria Vocational School, for Accounting.
While growing up she was active in showing Shorthorn cattle in her 4-H club, the Lev-Reno Ramblers. Her dedication and hard work were evident, and her biggest accomplishment was taking a Shorthorn steer to the Minnesota State Junior Livestock show.
Susan married Marvin Craig on August 21st , 1967, on her 19th birthday at the church of St. Mary in Alexandria, MN. To this union, five children were born, Harlan, David, Gerald, Jennifer, and Dale, who shared a life filled with hard work and love.
Susan and Marvin worked hand in hand on their dairy farm, where she tended to the calves, worked in the fields, and ensured her family was well cared for. Her culinary talents were equally unmatched - she was renowned for her cooking and baking, especially her coveted kolaches. Susan received her love of baking from her mom, in which she made special holiday treats, one being her famous Christmas chocolate turtles, continuing a cherished tradition that her mom passed down to her. Susan also shared her passion for cooking and baking with her granddaughters, passing down her expertise with love. Susan's skill as a seamstress was extraordinary, leaving a legacy across the county through her meticulous alterations and creations, she lent her skills as a seamstress to Special Event Bridal for 20 years. She also made many friends working at Kentucky Fried Chicken for the past 15 years.
Susan found solace and joy in gardening. Susan tended her large vegetable garden and many beautiful flower gardens. In her later years, she fell in love with hostas, and at one time, she had 400 hostas on the farm in various gardens, a testament to her passion for gardening and the love she poured into her home. Susan found therapeutic solace in mowing her large lawn, finding peace and joy in one of her favorite pastimes.
Susan and Marvin shared the love of one activity in particular; they enjoyed Polka dancing with their dancing club called the Heartland Polka Swingers, which for many years they would travel around the state, attending many Polka fests with their lifelong friends.
Susan looked forward to antiquing with her sister Valerie, in which they found many treasures that brought them back to their childhood, providing cherished opportunities to reminisce and share stories of days gone by.
With a heart full of compassion, Susan extended her kindness to her family and those around her. She cherished her time spent with all of her grandchildren, especially her grandson Jerry, offering him unconditional love and support and forming a special bond with him.
Susan will forever be remembered for her tireless work ethic, her warm spirit, and the love she poured into every aspect of her life. Her remarkable journey was marked by unwavering dedication, love, and hard work. Her warm smile and gentle spirit are qualities that will be forever cherished by her family and friends.
Susan Alice Craig, of Alexandria, MN, passed away on April 26, 2024, peacefully at her home at the age of 75 years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Harlan, and her brothers, Orville Chan and Wesley Chan.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Marvin Craig; children, David (Wendy) Craig, Gerald (Jennifer) Craig, Jennifer (Rodney) Floding, and Dale (Sarah) Craig; grandchildren, Briana (Chase) Courneya, Morgan (Nick Knoblach) Craig, Quiyn Craig, Mackenzie (Jacob) Schiltgen, Jerry Craig, Mitchel Floding, Alisah Floding, Melanie (Tristen Pedersen) Craig, and Missy (Tony) Smith; great-grandchildren Brooks Courneya and Ryleigh Pedersen, and her sister, Valerie Chan.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 4-7 PM with a 4 PM Parish Prayer Service at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and continue one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at The Church of St. Mary. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11 AM at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria with the Reverend Matthew Kuhn officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory in Alexandria
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