Craig "Craiger" Pumper, age 69, of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Craig Steven Pumper was born on June 25, 1954, in Northfield, to Joseph and Dorothy (Malecha) Pumper. He graduated from Northfield High School before serving his country with distinction in the Army National Guard for a decade, concluding his service in 1980. He worked for his dad at Joe's Plumbing and Heating for over 20 year, continued working in various construction roles until starting work at Wanzek Construction in the early 2000s and would continue working there until retiring in 2019. He was a hard worker and knew a little bit about everything. His heart found its match in Donna Berres, whom he met at a dance at the Armory in Northfield. Their dance continued through life as they wed on October 1, 1977. Together they built a home and a family in Northfield.
Craig's joy was multiplied with the arrival of each grandchild. He took great pleasure in attending their games and sharing his passions with them, always eager to teach them how to fish or hunt. Craig's enthusiasm for life shone brightly through his interests. An avid fisherman, he treasured excursions to Lake Mille Lacs among other fishing spots. His dedication to hunting was evident in his more than three decades of trips to Montana, where he also built and maintained a cherished cabin. A sports fan at heart, he cheered vigorously for the Twins and the Wild.
Handy with his hands, Craig found relaxation in working on his Polaris Ranger, always cleaning and tinkering, ensuring everything he touched worked just a bit better. His sense of humor and undeniable knack for fixing things made him the go-to man in any situation.
As we say farewell to a man who brightened every room, we are comforted by the countless memories and the love that Craig bestowed upon the world. He will be dearly missed and forever cherished.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; four children: Matt (Deena Otto) of Northfield, Angie (Rafael) Perez of Northfield, Jon (Mandy) of Victoria, and Jake (Cate) of Victoria; and Jamie Olson of Cambridge; grandchildren Ashton, Collin, Cohen, Cash, Bella, Corbin, Evalyn, Ava, Phoebe, Noella, Addison, and Roman; mother, Dorothy of Northfield; siblings, Colleen (Tom) of Wisconsin Dells, Daniel (Nancy) of Northfield, Joel (Jeanne) Pumper of Northfield, Corrine (Fred) Beumer of Cannon Falls, Kaylene (Phillip) Little of Faribault, Keith (Nina) of Northfield, Laureen (Lance) Snesrud of Northfield and Jeffrey (Shari) of Owatonna; other family members and friends. He preceded in death by his father, Joseph Pumper and son Andrew.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Church of St. Dominic, Northfield. Visitation will be 2-5 PM, Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Church of St. Dominic and will continue one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service at the church.
Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
