Craig Stangeland

Craig Ronald Stangeland was born on July 25, 1951, to Silas Elmer and Dorothy Anna (Beack) Stangeland in Pipestone, Minnesota. He grew up in the Pipestone area and was an active FFA Member; he even earned the American Farmers Award which was an achievement he was always very proud of. He graduated from Pipestone High School in 1969. Following his graduation, he attended Willmar Technical College in Willmar, Minnesota and earned his degree in Ag Production. He met JoAnn Schneider and the two were united in marriage on February 6, 1971 in St. Joseph, Minnesota. The couple made their home in the Pipestone area, farming south of Pipestone throughout all of Craig’s working years. During the last couple years, Craig battled health issues. After a recent decline in his health, he entered the Pipestone County Hospice House where he passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the age of 73.

Craig was passionate about all things farm-related. He liked to take Ranger rides with his dogs, Tank and Dolly, to check on the crops. He was on the board for many organizations such as the Pork Producers, Corn and Soybean Growers, the Pipestone Elevator and the Pipestone County Extension Group. Craig loved the Lord and was a member of Christ the King Free Lutheran Church in Pipestone. He and JoAnn were founding members of the church; he also helped in constructing the building. Craig served as an usher and Sunday School teacher through the years as well. Craig also enjoyed watching Western movies and was an avid bowler. Craig enjoyed taking vacations to Western South Dakota with his family where they did a lot of sightseeing. He was born with a club foot but he never let it hold him back; it was just another challenge to overcome.

Craig is lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, JoAnn of Pipestone; three children, Ted (Jennifer) Stangeland of Jasper, Minnesota, Heather (Lindsay Laughlin) Stangeland of Brandon, South Dakota, and Don Stangeland of Pipestone; eight grandchildren, Sylas Stangeland, Hunter St. Aubin, Kasey Stangeland, Allison Odens, Aliyah and Tong Laughlin, Maddex and Nolan Jensen; two great-grandchildren, Harriet and Bellamy Odens; one brother, Jon (Mary) Stangeland of Pipestone; honorary granddaughter, Autumn Covin; and many loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Joshua Stangeland.