Myrtle M. Craig

Myrtle Margaret Craig was born to William and Luella (Happel) Stoltz on August 29th, 1930 in La Crosse, WI and left this world on Wednesday morning October 17th. She was carried on the wings of angels to join “Bill” her husband of over 54 years at the gates of heaven. Myrt graduated from Aquinas High School in 1948. Soon after, she met her husband at the famous Avalon Ballroom. Bill and Myrt both loved to dance. Myrt married Bill on November 8th, 1952, and went on to raise 15 children. And to quote Bill, “there wasn’t an ugly one in the bunch!” He preceded her in death on March 14th, 2007. Bill and Myrt raised their children on Indian Hill. She loved caring for her family and anyone else in need. Feeding a crowd was her specialty, always able to add one more plate to the table. She never stopped baking her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, canning her pickles & jellies, and preparing her homecooked meals. No matter how she felt, she never missed a family gathering. As you can imagine raising 15 kids was not an easy task but one she did with her quiet wisdom, strength and much pride. Our amazing Mom was able to handle anything thrown her way, instilling in us her great sense of humor, work ethic, and big heart. She is sadly missed.

She is survived by her children: Bill (Lisa) of Onalaska, WI; Pat (Ken) Crowley of La Crosse, WI; Jean (Jim) Cullen of Green Bay, WI; Mike (Phyllis) of Onalaska, WI; Cathy (Roger) Hyldahl of La Crosse, WI; Carol (John) Rogowski of La Crosse, WI; Steve (Mona) of La Crosse, WI; Dave (Jackie) of La Crosse, WI; Judy (Ed) Huerkamp of Onalaska, WI; Linda (Kip) Gentry of La Crosse, WI; Jim of La Crosse, WI; Tom (Sherry) of Kaukauna, WI; Tim (Dawn) of Caledonia, MN; Sue (Todd) Nelson of La Crescent, MN; Sandy (Ed) Feyen of La Crosse, WI. 31 grandchildren, 22 greatgrandchildren and several step grandchildren. Myrt is further survived by one sister, Fern Hansen of La Crosse, WI; one brother Arnold Stoltz of Newark, OH; and two brothers in law, John Craig of Minocqua, WI and Dan Craig of Cary, NC.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 20, 2018, in St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse, Wis. Msgr. Steven J. Kachel will officiate with Entombment to be held in the St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. So., La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may also visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass in the church on Saturday.

Memorials are preferred and will be determined by the family at a later date.

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, nor sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.