Craig Hess Obituary

Craig Reno Hess, age 64, of Eagle Bend entered Heaven on September 13, 2024. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, at Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend with Pastor Kali Christenson presiding. Family and friends may gather at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Eagle Bend, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Craig was born on April 9, 1960, to Reno and Esther Hess in Bertha, MN. He grew up in Eagle Bend and graduated from Eagle Bend High School. On, September 12, 1981 he married Debbie Richter. They raised 4 beautiful children: Jed, Robbie, Cassandra and Kasmira.
In Craig's early years he worked as a mechanic for Engebretson Motor Company in Eagle Bend. He left that career and worked over 30 years driving truck for Land O Lakes/Northwest Transportation and then Central Bi later in his life. Craig also served many years as a volunteer Fire Fighter/First Responder for the Eagle Bend Fire Department.
Craig loved to travel around the United States and explore new places as long as the weather was warm and he was by the ocean. That was true happiness for Craig. Every time he saw the ocean he would say "this is awesome". His favorite place in the world was Daytona Beach, Florida. Craig's passions were cooking and grilling (which he was amazing and talented at). He found deep satisfaction and joy in preparing, creating and experimenting with a wide variety of different meals, bringing family and friends together for parties/gatherings. You never left his home hungry. Craig loved to go camping and fishing with his family. Craig was an avid NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. and traveled to NASCAR Races around the country. One of the many things that amazed him about NASCAR was the tens and thousands of people that came out, the hype and excitement of 40 plus cars at full song as you heard the pack head into turn one.
When you looked at Craig, he had nothing but pure joy on his face. He loved a good tailgating party, meeting new people and drinking cold beer. Craig's favorite racetracks were Daytona International Speedway and Kansas Motor Speedway. When, he couldn't be there in person, he would watch it every weekend on T.V. Craig also loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle's and loved when those engines roared. Riding motorcycle for him was more than just a hobby, it was a life style that offered a sense of freedom, adventure and camaraderie that was hard to find in other aspects of life. You could always find him wearing his favorite Harley Davidson apparel and watching the Wild Hogs movie with his kids and grandkids.
Craig loved spending time with his family and friends. Most of all he adored his kids and grandchildren and loved them dearly. He cherished every moment and always made sure to let them know how much he loved them. Craig was a lot like his father Reno as they shared the same qualities. Family was everything to them and they both made sure the grandkids were spoiled with treats. They were the glue that held the family together.
Craig will be remembered for his hard work ethic, his smile, his contagious laugh that echoed where ever he went and how much he truly valued his family.
Preceding Craig in death were his parents, Reno and Esther Hess; grandparents, Archie and Hazel Hess and Maimi Nussear.
Craig will be greatly missed by those who love him dearly. His children and grandchildren will forever hold onto all the amazing memories that they created with him. No passage of time can ever change that. He is survived by his spouse, Debbie; children, Jed and Jenny Hess, Robbie and Deirdre Hess, Cassandra and Dave Klimek, Kasmira and Seth Moenkedick; 13 grandchildren: Brooklyn, Liam, Ryker, Brayden, Daxton, Ethan, Aidan, Arei, Kaleb, Alayna, Isabella, Jarett and Levi; as well as his siblings, Byron (Denise) Hess and Barry Hess; many other relatives and friends.
It is with broken hearts that we realize that God's will is not the same as our wishes. However, we have great comfort in knowing that Craig will be united with is dad, Reno in heaven. We can picture Reno with arms wide open, followed by a huge hug and a cold beer.
The Hess family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who prayed and supported Craig and his family during this difficult time. The family would also extend appreciation to the staff at Centra Care Hospital in St. Cloud and Lakewood Care Center for their exceptional care and deep compassion that they gave to Craig. They did their very best to assure comfort along the journey.
As Craig would say, it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later!