Obit: Kurasz, Craig Alan “Bear” (1965 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kurasz, Halle, Oldham, Anason, Carney, Brey, Elmhorst, Weigel, Pohle, Meier, Ward, Biebert

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/14/2016

Kurasz, Craig Alan “Bear” (23 August 1965 - 7 September 2016) With Flag

Craig “Bear” Kurasz, 51, of Neillsville died, unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at his residence.

Craig Alan Kurasz was born Aug. 23, 1965, in Neillsville, the son of Lee and Joan (Halle) Kurasz. He attended St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1983. During high school, he enlisted in the National Guard and served nine years and was honorably discharged. After graduation, he attended WWTC in La Crosse. Bear then worked for Long Hammer Construction. He worked in carpentry and also logging. He was involved in a serious car accident Dec. 28, 1998, that left him permanently disabled and unable to work. However, after his accident, he discovered a passion for glass etching and painting.

Craig was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. He was an avid deer, bear and small game hunter. He loved fishing and just enjoyed being in the outdoors, including camping and gardening. Other joys in life were watching Jeopardy, playing cards and playing any games with family, friends and random strangers.

He is survived by his parents, Lee and Joan Kurasz of Neillsville, a sister, Brenda (Chester) Oldham of Granton, a sister-in-law, Rosemary Kurasz of Neillsville, a brother-in-law, Gary Anason of Neillsville, nieces and nephews, Eric, Katrina, Jeremy, Josh (Becca) and Zach (Robyn), and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his brother John, a sister Lynnette and his grandparents.

A memorial service for Bear was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Timothy Biebert officiated. Interment was in the Neillsville City Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council. Visitation was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the church.

Honorary casket bearers were: Jim Carney, Bruce Brey, Dana Elmhorst, Ronnie Kurasz, Larry Weigel, Brett Pohle, Seth Meier and Nick Ward.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Craig’s family with funeral arrangements.