Craig John Krafthefer

Craig Krafthefer, 69, of Alexandria, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, March 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St. Luke’s Church in Garfield with Pastor Sue Davidson presiding. Music is provided by organist, Margaret Kalina and vocalist, Erin Takle. A private family interment will take place following the service at White Garden Cemetery, Alexandria.

The visitation is 4-6 p.m., on Monday, March 16th at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Craig was born in Alexandria in September of 1956, the youngest of three children, to Robert and Signe Krafthefer. He attended Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria, and then graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a degree in carpentry. Craig was a master carpenter that built many homes in the area. He proposed to his summertime city girlfriend, Beth Altman but they waited until they were old enough to get married. They married at Mount Olivet Church on March 11, 1978 in Minneapolis. To this marriage, John Krafthefer and Annie Krafthefer were born in 1980 and 1983 respectively.

Craig was a very creative guy and took pride in making gifts for his family and friends for Christmas. He also loved banana popsicles, ice cream with chocolate sauce and potato chips. His own creation of chocolate sauce was loved by everyone.

Dogs loved Craig and he had a very special way of getting any dog to love him. He was a true dog whisperer. Craig loved the outdoors, could identify any tree, and enjoyed cross country skiing on his own groomed trails in his woods. He was a true expert on skis, downhill or cross country.

If anyone needed help with something, Craig could always figure out a way to make it work. Craig was very much a free spirit that never went to work a day in his life, as taxidermy was not work to Craig, it was who he was, what he was proud of, and his life. He very much enjoyed his 7 days a week rind and grind, and coming home to Gunsmoke on TV and a home cooked meal. Alexandria, will very much miss their 7-day a week taxidermist that put his heart and soul into their mount.

Craig asked Jesus into his heart to be his Lord and Savior. When asked if he had Jesus in his heart, he answered, “Yes, I do things my own way you know.” Craig was a unique and caring man who will be sorely missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Signe Krafthefer.

Craig is survived by his wife Beth; children, John (Bethany) and their sons William and Jack; daughter, Annie (Mark) Chlian and their children Sawyer and Olivia; sisters, Becky St. Marie and Valdene Krafthefer; sister-in-law, Ann (Al) Wendland; brothers-in-law, Don (Janet) Altman, Kurt (Annie) Altman, and Eric (Katie) Altman; and numerous nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.

Blessed be the memory of Craig John Krafthefer

Casket bearers are Tom Determan, Rich Merten, Paul Lundquist, Korey Krafthefer, Kyle Krafthefer, and Eric Nelson. Honorary casket bearers are Rick Denk, Greg Dahlgren, Al Wendland, and Dave Walsh.