Craig W. Lauritsen, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 at his home in Le Mars.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Craig's honor be made to Scouting America or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Craig Wayne Lauritsen was born on December 2, 1953 in Audubon, Iowa to Virgil and Doris (Madsen) Lauritsen. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Audubon, IA and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sac City, IA.

Growing up, Craig enjoyed playing tabletop and floor games indoors, but he especially liked playing outdoors, climbing trees, crafting moats, driving and maintaining the go-cart, riding his bicycle, and exploring nearby woods. Craig joined Boy Scouts of America, becoming part of a Cub Scout troop and eventually was awarded with Eagle Scout. As Craig learned scouting skills he shared with and taught his siblings too, how to whittle, to start a fire with flint, to tie knots, to carve and race Pinewood Derby cars, to communicate with Morse Code. On hot summer days, he would often lounge with his siblings and neighborhood friends on the lawn under a shade tree, trading and reading comics, before hiking to the public pool for an afternoon of swimming. On annual family vacations out West, Craig greatly enjoyed exploring though hiking and camping.

Craig also loved spending time with his extended family. While growing up we celebrated birthdays and holidays together, oftentimes blending dinners into suppers. In summer, picnics at local lakes drew crowds of relatives. Craig learned to water ski, first on a board, then on traditional water skis. Craig would also vacation on relatives' farms—in Audubon and Exira, Iowa--helping his cousins with haying, cleaning the hog and chicken houses, walking beans, and assorted daily chores. Days would conclude with swimming or fishing in farm ponds, followed by big home-cooked meals.

While in high school, Craig golfed and joined the wrestling and football teams. He enjoyed travelling and competing in neighboring communities. Craig graduated from Sac City Community High School in 1972. He immediately began working on the line producing agricultural equipment at Noble Manufacturing in Sac City, Iowa. He bought his first car, a Ford Pinto. Wanting to do more, Craig attended Iowa Central Community College, then University of Northern Iowa, with an emphasis in physical therapy. While at the University of Northern Iowa, Craig worked his way through school by working at a gallery, framing art prints. He also became a collector of art prints depicting the outdoors, from pristine forests to recreational cabins. He also, in his spare time, helped his parents build their dream home in Sac City.

Craig became a professional painter, coloring the buildings of Kansas City, Missouri. He met Tana Moore. They fell in love and began creating a vibrant, elegant life together in the city. Unexpectedly, Craig began to struggle with what eventually was diagnosed as schizophrenia. Craig found support with his brother Kirk in Pomona, Kansas. He worked briefly as a custodian at Unified School District 290--in Ottawa, Kansas. Craig then moved back to his hometown, to live close to his parents. Craig continued to help his parents with improvements to their home. While in Sac City, the community helped Craig find appropriate healthcare, eventually collaborating with the Pride Group of Northwest Iowa. As Craig regained independence, he chose to live in an older historic building now known for its senior living, as Floyd Valley Apartments, Le Mars, Iowa. He resumed work, working at the local Walmart Super Store. For enjoyment, Craig continued bicycling and golfing, occasionally eating out, and hobnobbing with his neighbors.

Craig was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his siblings: Cindy Lauritsen, Waterloo, IA; Karla Lauritsen with husband Robert Vocke, Santa Fe, NM; and Kirk Lauritsen with wife Jennifer Lauritsen of Pomona, KS; nephews and nieces: Patrick Bergen Lauritsen Vocke, Jeremiah Stumpff and Jasmine Kelly.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Doris Lauritsen.