Craig Eliott Knutson

On August 31,1974, the LORD God, Creator of all things, blessed Earl and Donna Knutson with their son, Craig Eliott. He is the fifth in a family with two brothers, Blane and Shawn, and two sisters, Heidi and Krista.  Craig was brought up in a Christian home, with the family attending Calvary Lutheran Church in Marquette, MI where Craig was baptized in September of 1974, and confirmed in June of 1988.  He graduated from Westwood High School, Ishpeming, MI in 1992 and started college classes that fall.  At the suggestion of his older brother, Blane, he started working as a draftsman for Fisher Hamilton in the fall of 1994, working his way up to be an Engineering Manager for Wynn Jones in Wausau, a career in drafting and engineering that he held for over 20 years.  Most recently he had been working at From the Forest in Wausau as a machine operator, then holding other positions within their organization.  Craig’s hobbies included a lifetime interest in sports, especially anything Wisconsin related, or watching his son Jonah play college level basketball and Tamirat (TJ) play soccer, usually online.  Craig also was an avid Star Wars fan, enjoyed outdoor photography and trips to the UP with his beloved dog, Winnie. He especially looked forward to the Annual Westwood Softball tournament where he would catch up with fellow classmates and friends.  Additionally, Craig dearly cherished his weekly breakfasts and Bible studies with his friend, Chris.  Whether in the workplace at the office or at home, whatever he was doing, Craig looked for opportunities to witness his faith.  His light was particularly bright with his family that he loved so dearly.   Matthew 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Craig is survived by his parents, Earl and Donna Knutson of Ishpeming, MI, his brothers Blane (Kay) Knutson of Eau Claire, WI, Shawn Knutson of Ishpeming, MI, his sisters Heidi (Bill) Dani of Grand Rapids, MI, and Krista Wealton of Gwinn, MI, his six children, Seth of Valders, WI, Jonah of Bemidji, MN, Alejandra of Valders, WI, Tamirat (TJ) and Amanuel of Wausau, WI, and Sena of Oshkosh, WI, his Godparents Rhonda Andriacchi and John Korpi of Ishpeming, MI as well as many loving family members and friends both in the community and in his church fellowship at Highland.

In Daniel 6:24: Scripture tells us that the lions broke all their bones in pieces before they hit the ground, those who had accused Daniel.   Daniel’s experience is a metaphor for that of every Christian. Especially this report, “no manner of hurt was found upon him because he had trusted in his God.” For all the hurt that Craig endured, in the end we can announce so the world can hear and know: “We celebrate Craig’s gift of eternal life in Jesus.”

Craig first battled cancer several years ago. He battled it uncomplaining for several years eventually weakening his body beyond earthly repair. Finally, it became clear that the LORD of life would use Craig’s weakened body to give him the victory over death and the gift of eternal life. On January 26, 2024, his earthly pilgrimage of 49 years, 4 months and 26 days came to an end.  His soul was received by the LORD and his body was donated to others for organ transplants so that others may live, with the remainder of his remains to await the Resurrection on the Last Day.  John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.“  Craig’s last cover photo on his Facebook profile was a pointer to his Savior from John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

A Victory Service celebrating Craig's gift of eternal life in Jesus will take place at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. Dan MacDonald will officiate.   Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service, all at the funeral home.  Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Craigs name may be sent to Krista Wealton at 661 E. M-35, Apt 21 Gwinn, MI 49841.