Craig Germain

A celebration of life for Craig Germain, 81, of Winnebago, MN will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago, with Pastor Jill Emery officiating. Visitation will be Monday, December 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Winnebago.

Craig George Germain passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2024, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Born on October 30, 1943, to Howard and Bernice (Rosol) Germain in Winnebago, Craig graduated from Winnebago High School and pursued higher studies at Buena Vista College and Mankato State University.

In 1966, Craig married Margaret “Peggy” Fossum. After a year working in the Twin Cities, they returned to Winnebago, making it their lifelong home. As a third-generation businessman, Craig took over his family’s store, Germain Electric, in 1967, operating it until 2005. In his later years, he enjoyed driving motorcoaches, safely navigating tours across the country.

A man of deep, yet quiet faith, Craig was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, where he served as an elder and an active volunteer with the Men’s Club. His community involvement was also extensive: he was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, served as an EMT and driver for the Winnebago Volunteer Ambulance from its 1967 inception through 1985, and volunteered for many years with the Winnebago Moto Fest committee. He and Peggy were honored to be inducted into the Winnebago Economic Development Authority Hall of Fame in 2018.

Craig was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was always present to support his family’s endeavors in community and church functions, music, sports, and military events. He had a passion for concert and jazz band music, cherished annual vacations to the North Shore of Lake Superior, and held a special affection for cars, particularly Corvettes.

Craig is survived by his wife of 58 years, Peggy Germain; children, Rev. Cory (Ellen) Germain of Fairmont and Cara (Wade) Gustafson of St. Paul; grandchildren, Emma (Jamis) Hueper, Cameron Germain (fiancé Bella Hoffmann), and Quinn and Tate Gustafson; sister, Janice (Larry) Irvine of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law, Audrey Wedul and Marilyn Thompson of Scottsdale, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Bernice Germain; parents-in-law, Otto and Molester Fossum; sister-in-law, Beverly Sendelbach Sogn; and brothers-in-law, Laurence “Bud” Sendelbach, Rev. Otto Wedul, and Dr. William Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to First Presbyterian Church, the Winnebago Area Ambulance Service, or the Winnebago Area Museum.