Craig Derrick, age 62, a resident of the Town of Rusk, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2024, after battling cancer, at home, surrounded by his family.

Craig was born on May 5, 1962, in Spooner, WI, to Gaylen and Martha (Wenzel) Derrick. The middle of five children, he grew up on the family farm in the Town of Scott, WI, and graduated from Spooner High School in 1980. Following high school, he continued to work with his family on the farm until moving to Saint Peter, MN, in 1985.

On September 27, 1986, Craig married his high school sweetheart, Jodi Thieman. They were blessed with three sons, Brice, Cameron, and Corbin, of whom he was very proud. Craig enjoyed spending time with his children, woodworking, building fast lawn mowers, four wheeling, snowmobiling, and riding his Harley. The family enjoyed many camping trips with family and friends.

Over the years, Craig was employed at Door Engineering, Big Gain, Inc., and Vetter Stone. In 2003, Craig and Jodi purchased the family-owned resort known as Benoit Lake Campground outside of Spooner, WI. In 2004, Craig moved to the campground and was employed at WI Structural Steel until 2017. Craig and Jodi later separated yet continued to raise their sons and remained dedicated to growing and managing their business together. Devoted to their campground, Craig worked tirelessly, especially during the busy summer season. Over time, Craig became more social with the campers. He would often make wood deliveries, control quiet time, and enjoyed golf cart rides around the property to say a simple, “Hello”. He built strong friendships and was an integral part of the campground.

Craig enjoyed camping, fast cars, and racing 3-wheelers in his early years. He was a talented woodworker, avid motorcyclist, and enjoyed splitting wood, hunting deer with his sons and friends, farming, and being a grandpa. He will be remembered as a jack-of-all-trades, workaholic kind of guy.

Craig will be missed by Jodi; his sons, Brice of Janesville, MN, Cameron (Paige) of Mankato, MN, and Corbin (Mallory) of Prior Lake, MN; granddaughters, Aubree and Norah; siblings, Kevin (Lori) of Deer Park, WI, Gary (Kathy) of Lino Lakes, MN, Sheryl (Greg) Campbell of Chisago City, MN, and Tim (Darcy) of Zimmerman, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Gaylen and Martha (Wenzel) Derrick. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00-11:00. Burial will be at the Crescent Lake Cemetery with luncheon to follow at the church.

Last Update: Nov 15, 2024 1:53 pm CST