Craig Walz

Craig Anthony Walz, beloved father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2016, after a strong storm came through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Craig was on a camping trip with his son, Jacob, and family friends.

Craig was born on Aug. 17, 1972, in Ainsworth, Neb., to Darlene and James Walz. Craig attended Butte High School in Nebraska before graduating from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a concentration in chemistry and physical sciences. He received his Master's of Education from the University of St. Mary's.

Craig and Julie Slominski met on their first day of teacher orientation in Adams, Neb. Over the next three years, they taught and coached together and became best friends. They were married on May 26, 2001, in Lincoln, Neb.

Julie, Jacob and Avery were the center of Craig's universe. His unending love for them was apparent to all who had the privilege to know him.

Teaching was Craig's passion, and he cared deeply about his students' success. He often would arrive early and leave late to tutor students who wanted a little extra help. His classroom was spirited, and he strove to create a compassionate, dynamic and fun learning environment. Taking what he learned growing up, he also worked to instill a sense of civic responsibility among his students. On Earth Day, he would hold a friendly competition to see which team of students could pick up the most litter during one 90-minute class period. And in 2007, when floods hit the St. Charles area, Craig — then the head football coach at St. Charles — gave his football team a choice: either go on with practice or go help the community recover and rebuild. The players chose the latter.

When Craig wasn't in the classroom, you could find him doing other things he loved: spending time with his family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors by camping, fishing, golfing or boating, and attending local football games. He also loved cheering for his children in competitive swimming events. Craig fully embraced any activity in which Jake and Avery participated and often coached their teams.

Throughout the neighborhood and community, Craig was well-known as someone who always would lend a helping hand. He strongly believed in helping build families, neighborhoods and communities.

Craig is survived by his wife, Julie; his children, Jacob and Avery; his mother Darlene; siblings, Jeff Walz, (Laurie), Sandy Dietrich (Scott), Tim Walz (Gwen); and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James Walz.

In lieu of flowers, the Walz family requests donations be made to the St. Charles School District so students can learn and celebrate science in the spirit of educator Craig Walz.

Craig's son, Jacob, was injured in the storm on June 19. His recovery and strength have been remarkable. For updates, please visit Jacob's Caring Bridge site, caringbridge.org/public/jacobwalz.

A celebration of Craig's life will be 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016, at the St. Charles Elementary Auditorium in St. Charles, Minn. One also will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Butte, Neb.