Connor Craine, age 23, of Siren, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 23, 2023.

Connor fought a courageous battle against Merkel cell carcinoma, which he was diagnosed with in early April, 2022.

Connor was welcomed into the world on April 7, 1999, by his parents Dave Craine and Karen Kolander and his brother Nolan Merrill.

Connor graduated from Siren High School in May, 2017. His interests included playing football, spending time with friends, family (especially with his big brother Nolan), and gaming with a large circle of online friends. He enjoyed growing his culinary skills by experimenting with new recipes and flavor combinations and sharing those creations with his family as taste testers. He loved and cared for 3 cats during his life.

After graduation Connor purchased a 1972 El Camino, he enjoyed driving and working on his car whenever he could. He would often comment that while others were surprised, he owned a “classic”, he thought of it as just a cool car.

He will be remembered by many for his welcoming, calming, quiet demeanor. And for the smile that lit up any situation. He will also be fondly remembered by those close to him for his ability to debate anything he felt strongly about, or just feeling the need to challenge others thinking.

Connor’s goals and aspirations were to travel to Ireland, go to school for astronomy, and become a YouTube Twitch streamer.

Connor is preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Kolander, Emma (Peterson) Kolander and Margaret Craine and his Aunt Carolyn Kotval.

He is survived by his dad, Dave Craine; his mom, Karen (Kolander) Chinander; step-dad, Ken Chinander; brother, Nolan Merrill; uncles, Jim (Missy) Kolander, Rich (Van) Craine, Joe (Theodora) Craine; aunts, Teresa (Craine) Berger, Tracy Vaughn; step-grandmother, Linda Chinander; along with many great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends.

Connor was not a guy who liked to get dressed up. To honor his fashion style when attending the visitation or service, please wear your favorite hoodie or graphic t-shirt. If you have a pair of Chuck Taylors that would be a bonus. These were the top three items in Connor’s wardrobe.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Siren, WI.

The memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10-11 AM) at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren, WI with Pastor Emily officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Patty Close, Sampson Richter, Mo Richter, Ben Kotval and Eric Kotval.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Connor’s care teams at the University of Minnesota medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion staff and the valet services. As well as to Burnett Medical Center.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Last Update: Jan 26, 2023 12:14 pm CST