Craig W. Opsahl

Craig W. Opsahl, age 55, of Merrill, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Craig was born September 5, 1963, in Merrill, son of Robert and Jo Ann (Jones) Opsahl. Craig was a 1982 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. He had worked at the former Ward Paper Company, Merrill, and when the plant was closed, Craig decided to go back to school. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Stout, full-time for two years including summer school, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree, Summa Cum Laude, in December 1996, majoring in Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education. For the past 20 plus years, Craig was a Machine Tool Instructor at Northcentral Technical College, Wausau. He was also a part owner, along with his brother Lee, of Merrill Tool and Water Jet. Craig was an avid reader who enjoyed science and astronomy. He was an outdoor enthusiast enjoying hunting, fishing, tending to his bee hives, and raising Monarch Butterflies. Craig absolutely loved being a teacher. He was also a helpful and caring person. Craig is survived by his parents, Robert and Jo Ann Opsahl, Merrill; three siblings, Lee (Stacey Stevens) Opsahl, Merrill, Peggy (Devell) Riley, Chino Valley, Arizona, and Ann (Jim) Kuehn, Madison; and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Craig will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 12, 2018 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Patricia Schutz will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com