Craig Lee Frei, age 70, passed away after a brave battle with cancer on October 3, 2021, with his family by his side at the Markesan Resident Home.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 Church St., Fairwater from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Kimberly Stowell officiating. To honor Craig's passion for sports, the family requests the wearing of Wisconsin sports apparel at the visitation. Inurnment will be held at the Markesan Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Craig was born on March 5, 1951, the son of Robert and Shirley (Wilsnack) Frei in Ripon. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Markesan. Craig attended Prairie View School and later the Markesan School District, graduating in 1969 from Markesan High School. He loved sports and participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He then attended North Central Tech College in Wausau for a small engines course. He returned home to farm with his dad on the family dairy farm where he lived the majority of his life.

On September 15, 1973, he married the love of his life, Marianne Serio at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater. They were blessed with three children, whom he loved dearly. In between full-time farming responsibilities, Craig enjoyed participating in slo-pitch softball, bowling leagues, and deer hunting. Later he enjoyed the accomplishments of his children's academics and extra-curricular activities, and was a proud supporter of Markesan's athletics. When grandchildren arrived, he was the first one there to spoil them. Before retiring from Bonduelle USA in 2016, Craig worked for the Town of Green Lake, Laper's Bus Service, Del Monte Corp, and the City of Markesan. Craig was always up for a good time, a cold beer, and there with a helping hand to anyone who needed one.

Craig's faith was also important to him, serving on Zion's Church Council, Ushering Teams, and volunteering for lawn care and snow removal. During his life he loved playing cards, especially Sheepshead, with local card clubs that formed lifelong friends and relationships. He also enjoyed all Wisconsin sports teams: the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks, and especially the Milwaukee Brewers, where he attended many games with family and friends.

Craig is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marianne; daughter, Kelly (Barclay) Laux of Kenosha; sons, Ryan Frei and Kevin Frei of Markesan; grandsons, Andrew Fairchild and Dylan Laux of Kenosha; nephew, Joel (Theresa) Frei of Markesan; niece, Jami (Billy) Huston and their children, Alexander and Isabella of Niceville, FL; sister-in-law, Suellen (Rick) Johnson of Sullivan; aunt, Phyllis (Ray) Butros of Albuquerque, NM; and further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Shirley; brother, Gahl Frei in 1980; grandparents, John and Elsa Frei, and Marvin and Lula Wilsnack; in-laws, Andrew and Jane Serio.

If desired, memorials in Craig's name can be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, ThedaCare at Home and Hopsice Care, and The American Cancer Society.

Craig's family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the ThedaCare Hospital in Berlin; Oncology department, Dr. Richard Warren and Nurse Becky; ThedaCare at Home staff and Hospice Care Team; and the Markesan Resident Home staff for the compassionate care he received while there.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.