Craig Steven Yager

Craig Steven Yager, 68 of Gaylord, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital.

Born on July 15, 1950 in Midland, Craig was the son of Sylvester and Marilynn (Hamilton) Yager.  He grew up in Midland and graduated from Bullock Creek High School.

Craig attended Ferris State College in Big Rapids after high school where he met Mary L. Schultz.  They were married at St. Alphonsus Church in Grand Rapids on June 22, 1974.

Craig and Mary welcomed their son, Chad while living in Grand Rapids.  In 1976 they moved to Gaylord where Craig joined GTE Telephone which later became Verizon.  After the move to Gaylord, they added to their family with the birth of their daughter, Renee.

Craig worked at GTE, later Verizon, as a lineman and splicer for 32 years.  Though family came first for him, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  To many of his children’s friends he was a father figure and friend.  Craig was active as a Gaylord Youth Football coach, a Little League Baseball coach and umpire and a timer for Gaylord Wrestling.  He was an avid sports enthusiast in general and a fan of Detroit Tigers Baseball and Detroit Lions Football.

Craig will be remembered by his family and his friends for the determined, strong, always positive person he was.  He fought hard against illness and taught others, especially his children and grandchildren, how to fight and never give up.

Surviving is Mary, his wife of 45 years; his children, Chad (Bridget) Yager of Mattawan; his daughter, Renee (Greg) DiCostanzo of Saranac; grandchildren, Braedan Yager, Claire Yager, Luca DiCostanzo and Gianna DiCostanzo; brothers, Larry (Sue) Yager of Dexter and Randy (Kathy) Yager of New Boston; nieces, Kelly Yager and Colleen (Chris) Worley; nephews, Colin (Laurie) Yager and Jason Yager; and his aunt, Donna Karczewski.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held at the Gaylord Eagles Hall from 12:00 Noon-3:00 PM Saturday, July 6, 2019.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the National Kidney Foundation, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI  48108 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA  22215.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com