Craig M Nessa

Craig M. Nessa, age 77, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at North Kansas City Hospital, with his family by his side. Craig was born on June 11, 1948, in Ames, Iowa, to Milo and Geneva (Tandy) Nessa. He was baptized on July 18, 1948, and confirmed on June 2, 1963, at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City, Iowa.

He grew up on the family farm near Story City, Iowa, raising livestock–primarily hogs–and worked crops. As a youth, he was an active member of 4-H. Craig attended South Hamilton High School, graduating in 1966, and continued his education at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On June 28,1969, Craig married the love of his life Winifred (Winnie) Danielson at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell, Iowa. That same year, his mechanical degree led to a job opportunity at Ken Meyers Chevrolet in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Craig and Winnie settled there in July 1969, and Craig later built a long career as a machine adjuster at Tension Envelope Company in downtown Kansas City, where he worked until his retirement in 2009.

Craig's passions in life were many -- stockcar racing, spending time outdoors, planting trees, hunting and fishing – but he found his greatest joy when he was with his family, barbequing, making homemade pizza, cooking, canning, and sharing his personal recipes.

Craig was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Craig is survived by his wife of 56 years, Winnie; daughter, Stephanie (Erich) Lingenfelter of Kansas City, MO; son, Brock (Mitsi) Nessa of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Corey Firebaugh of Excelsior Springs, MO, Amber (Eric) Dailey of Kearney, MO, Emory Nessa of Kansas City, MO, and Emma Lingenfelter of Kansas City, MO; and two great-grandchildren, Milo and Millie Dailey of Kearney, MO. He is also survived by his brother, Chuck (Ann) Nessa of Buffalo, NY; sisters- and

brothers-in-law, Ona Mae Lettow of Alden, IA, David Danielson of Elkhorn, NE, Steve (Ana) Danielson of Carlisle, IA, Kay Lynn (Mike) Sharples of Hinsdale, IL, and Jim (Jackie) Danielson of Villa Park, IL; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Oswald and Imo Gene Danielson; brothers-in-law, Steve Lettow and Frank Danielson; sister-in-law, Treva Danielson; nephew, Tyler Danielson; and uncles and aunts, Milford (Blanche) Nessa, Orville (Helen) Nessa, and Tommy (Alice) Nessa.

Visitation: Monday, September 29, 5:30-7:30 PM, Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs, Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Funeral: Tuesday, September 30, 10:00 AM, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Blessed be the memory of Craig M. Nessa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Craig Nessa's name to the Excelsior Springs Wrestling Program (via check to ESYW, mailed to ESHS, Attn: Rick Schwab, 612 Tiger Drive, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024) or via Venmo (@ESYWTigers); the Wood Heights Fire Protection District (via check mailed to WHFPD, Attn: TJ Curry, 5998 MO-10 Hwy, Wood Heights, MO 64024); or an organization of your choice in Craig's memory.