It is with both heavy hearts and tearful laughter that we announce the passing of Craig Wilbur , age 72, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Craig left us on June 17th, 2025, He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and, in true Craig Wilbur fashion, went out making every one around him laugh. Beloved Husband, Father, Gramps, Teacher, Tennis Coach, and Relentless joke teller

Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 am Tuesday, July 8, at First United Methodist Church, 401 S. Spring Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.

**This Service will be Livestreamed on the church website.  Please click on the link to view this service. https://www.sfumc.org

Memorial Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Time For Sharing at 6:30 pm on Monday, July 7, at Miller Funeral Home Downtown, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.

Craig Glen Wilbur, son of Glen and Lois (Clark) Wilbur, was born on June 24th, 1952 in Vermillion, South Dakota. The family moved to Madison, SD where he graduated from Madison High School in 1970 where he made lifelong friends with a rowdy group of misfits and social outcasts. Craig was very active in sports throughout high school in football, basketball, track, Golf, and a lifeguard at Madison Community Pool. Although his sister Lana outshined him in academics and band, he prevailed. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Dakota State University, his Master's Degree in School Administration from the University of South Dakota, and his PhD in Classic Russian Literature from Harvard.

After a romantic first dance in 8th grade, the rest was history.  Craig was united in marriage with Vickie Rindels on June 9th, 1973 in Madison, SD. They were blessed with three children, Ben, Emily and their favorite, Samuel. Craig and Vickie were lucky enough to make it to 52 years of marriage one week before Craig's passing.

For 35 years, Craig was a dedicated social studies teacher starting his career at Valley Springs and soon after moving to Brandon Valley Middle School, where he inspired generations of students with his passion for geography, Hawaiian shirts, and his genuine care for their growth. He coached high school tennis and basketball for many years, painted houses in the summer, as well as ran Marathons, even finishing hand-in-hand with his beautiful wife. He inspired his children to follow in his footsteps as educators, tennis coaches, and lovers of the outdoors and travel. During retirement, he served on the Board for Crime Stoppers, the Center for Western Studies, worked at Prairie Green Golf Course, worked the front desk at the Argus Leader, and volunteered as a mentor at Patrick Henry Middle School.

Craig's greatest joy was his family. He was a wonderful and devoted father to his three children, and a deeply loving, nurturing grandfather to Lula, Mayven, and Dawson. His warmth, humor, and unwavering support shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to be close to him. He loved spending time with his family, taking family trips, playing chess with his friends, and watching his children participate in their sports and musical pursuits. One of his greatest joys was to be sitting by his wife, and admiring how their children had grown into outstanding adults and parents.

Known for his quick wit, amazing backhand, and boundless kindness, Craig had a special gift for making inappropriate jokes and helping others feel better about the world, even during his own most difficult days. Though he battled an illness that limited his abilities and shortened his time on earth, he never let it define him. He never complained, instead choosing to focus his energy on learning more about everyone he met while spreading kindness and laughter around town.

Craig Wilbur leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, laughter, and strength. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, The Plan of the World Committee, and all those who were touched by his humor and compassion.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Vickie; their three children and grandchildren, Ben (Jessica), and their son, Dawson; Emily (Adam), and their children, Lula, and Mayven; Samuel (Madeline); and a sister, Lana (Greatest Aunt in the World); Great Neighbors, Chess Partners, and Madison Friends who were like family. He was preceded in death by his father Glen Wilbur and Mother Lois (Clark) Wilbur.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any of the following: Promising Futures Fund (Promisingfuturesfund.org), The Glen Wilbur Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Polar Tennis Team (Venmo: PolarTennis), or a memorial of your choice.