Obituary of Craig Charles Holler

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of a phenomenal man, my father in-law, Craig. His presence in our lives was a gift, and his love for family knew no bounds. 

Craig was a phenomenal man who loved his family well. He was also a man who stepped up to be a dad, and a great dad at that. Eric recently shared memories of Craig taking him fishing and how he made fishing fun relative to whatever age Eric was at when they fished. Craig was a doting grandfather who allowed my daughter to paint his nails, put barrettes in his hair, and drag him outside to endlessly play at parks and run through the sprinkler or play Barbie dolls in the grass. 

Craig once asked me the proper pronunciation of my daughters name so he could say it correctly. And it seemed the only way he could say it is if he said it super fast. And for the next 25+ years every time he saw her he would speed say her name— “Alisia Maria” marking the e sound and s sound in her first name while also rolling his r’s in her middle name to polish it off right. Once saying her name he’d ask her if she wanted anything— A beverage. Food. The TV remote. Whatever she wanted, it was hers. It was amazing to witness. 

Craig was always great about asking about our life. We never just said “fine” or “good” because he’d usually ask a follow up question. He was also great about asking for updates on our friends (mentioning them by name) or asking about my parents. He would remember the last thing we told him about our friends and would ask more about that. 

He absolutely loved the outdoors and most of our homes over the years he would just sit on our deck soaking up the fresh air and admire the view. 

Many many years ago, Craig introduced me to “garbage pizza” which at 17 years old was a terrifying thought until I learned it just meant a shit ton of toppings. The third or so time we ordered it I asked him why it’s called garbage pizza. He laughed and said, “I don’t know honey, maybe because it’s got veggies and junk like that on it. Some people don’t like veggies I guess.” We had a good laugh and each time we’d order pizza as a family he’d say, “Maria will eat garbage pizza with us, Bonnie. Order one of those!” 

During our time together it was inevitable he’d ask about technology. He always love hearing about how technology keeps advancing and would ask all kinds of questions about it, but never really had a desire to use it. Honestly I think it was his way to be in the know and also just listen to us talk to him. 

We both love Jeeps, and he’d often joke about trading my Jeep for his truck and when I’d say no he’d say something like “Maria, watch out, one of these days I’m might just steal your Jeep and go for a joyride.” I’d tell him all the time he is more than welcome to but he never did. 

Every November like clockwork we always knew he’d be gone deer hunting returning home just before Thanksgiving. It was his tradition, but honestly it felt like a family tradition— we just always knew when it was hunting season. 

Craig was a sensational man and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and genuine care for others. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the incredible person he was and hold dear the memories we shared.

Craig, you will be greatly missed. May you find eternal peace in the embrace of nature you loved so dearly. Until we meet again. Say what’s up to Jesus from me.