Kraig Christoffer

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 for Kraig Christoffer, beloved father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and close friend, who passed away on March 27, 2023 at age 64. 

Kraig grew up in Windom and Lakefield, graduating from Lakefield High School in 1976. He was an all-star athlete and he excelled at football and track. After graduation, he married Vickie Ollerich (Anschutz) and he went on to technical school to become a meat cutter, while also raising his two young kids. After graduation he and his family moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, to begin his career with Barlow’s. After a short time there, they moved back to Minnetonka, Minnesota, eventually settling in Waconia. He spent the remainder of his career working for Lund's and Byerly's where he made many close friends. In the early 2000’s they moved back to Lakefield, to be near family. After his marriage ended, he settled in Springfield, MN, to be close to a good friend of many years. 

Kraig lived to be outside, and he loved nature, animals, hunting, and many sports. He also enjoyed being with his family, watching the Vikings, and listening to Twins games and anything else on WCCO radio. He was incredibly athletic, and he seemed to be instantly good at any sport or activity he tried. He had a green thumb and loved creating his own landscapes and maintaining plants and flower beds. He will be remembered for so many things: his wit, sense of humor, musical abilities, creative talents, athleticism, stubbornness, his big heart, and his bear hugs.

If you asked him what his biggest accomplishment in his life was, he would always say his biggest and best accomplishment was raising his two kids. He beamed when talking about his kids, grandchildren, and his son-in-law, and even though he wasn’t a fan of his cell phone and texting, he would happily share the videos and images sent to him by his kids and grandkids. 

When we told him we loved him, his favorite response was “I love you more.” We love you more dad, and we will love and miss you always.

Kraig was preceded in death by parents Gerald and Pearl (Manitz) Christoffer. He is survived by children Leia (Steve) Simon and Ryan Christoffer; grandchildren Victoria Christoffer, Hannah, and Noah Simon; sisters Karen (John) Grein, Kathy (Denny) Aumer, Krista (Aaron) Palmer, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lakefield Multipurpose Center, 112 Main St, Lakefield, MN 56150.