Ralph Eugene Craiger Sr.

It is with great sadness and joy that we announce the passing of Ralph Eugene Craiger. Sadness that he is no longer with us in the physical sense but with great joy knowing that he sits at the feet of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ralph, 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born on December 16th, 1942, to his parents Clyde and Blanche Craiger.

Ralph served two years in the Army from November 24, 1964, to November 13, 1966, with a tour in Vietnam. He achieved rank of SP5-5 and earned a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and Expert Rifle (M-14).

Ralph enjoyed time with his family more than anything. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, walking in the woods and teaching his children and grandchildren things about nature that they treasure even more today.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Lohr Craiger of Stafford; his 5 children, Sheila Burtner (Brian) of Stafford, Barbie Blake (David) of Fredericksburg, Craig Craiger of Stafford, Jessica Hughes (Joe) of Spotsylvania and Kacey Meisel (Nick) of Pennsylvania.

He is also survived by some of his greatest joys, his grandchildren, Dakota Craiger, Bella Blake, Birdie Blake, Camron Craiger, Dallas Hughes, Evan Craiger, Saige Craiger, Elliott Meisel and Alden Meisel.

In addition, he leaves behind 3 loving siblings, Jim Craiger (Brenda) of Stafford, Nancy English (Dennis) of Tappahannock, and Gary Craiger (Mary) of Spotsylvania; his dear aunt, Mattie Phillips of Norton; and many nieces and nephews.

Again, we express great sadness of his absence but great joy and comfort in his new home in Heaven.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford.

A private burial will take place on Tuesday, January 13th.