Craig Anderson

Craig Elmer Anderson was born in a snowstorm March 23, 1938 to Elmer and Irene Anderson of New Ulm, MN. He passed away peacefully December 31, 2025 at J. A. Wedum Hospice home in Brooklyn Park, MN. 

His passion for sales started at the young age of 10 as a paper delivery boy and other various jobs throughout his high school years. He attended New Ulm schools and achieved Eagle Scout honors traveling to Irvine Park, California to their Boy Scout Jamboree and the church youth group trip out west. He graduated from Red Wing High School in 1956 where he played tuba in the high school band and played on the football team. He furthered his education at Luther College and St. Cloud State where he met his beloved wife, Barbara Krogh. Together they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26 with the company of their children and grandchildren, while he was in the ICU. Reaching this milestone was his goal and he achieved it. 

Craig and Barb were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Askov, MN. He continued his passion for sales in Cottage Grove, MN moving to other locations and companies until settling in Askov where he developed his insurance business. There, Craig helped start the football program at Askov High School, was a member of the Askov Fire Department developing the rescue squad and was fire chief for numerous years. He was a member of the Lions Club and on the Askov and Pine City planning commissions. One of the things he dearly enjoyed was being the area Boy Scout leader and taking the boys on various camping trips. Raising his three children in a small town was important to him and he shared values of hard work, kindness and going to church. Friendship was important and he formed many as he was easy to talk to. He took his family on many trips camping and loved playing cards. His insurance business took him to Pine City where he and Barb lived until retirement, then a move to Hinckley for a time, then on to Cottage Grove to senior living. He connected with old friends and the church he and Barb had gone to years ago. In 2025, a move to Shoreview was made to be closer to family and was his residence until his death. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene; daughter, Linda; daughter-in-law, Amy; brother, Wynn; sister, Jenine; and nephew, Matthew. 

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Scott and Jennifer; grandchildren, Tatum, Mahra, and Cal; numerous nieces and nephews; four sisters-in-law; and three brothers-in-law. 

A memorial service is being planned for the near future.