Craig Fjerstad

Craig Mark Fjerstad, 68, of Conroe, Texas, passed away suddenly due to complications of pneumonia on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe with family by his side. Craig will always be remembered as the most humble and kind man.
 
Craig Mark Fjerstad was born on October 27, 1955 in Crookston, MN at St. Francis Hospital to parents, Francis and Marion (Nyhus) Fjerstad. He grew up in rural Fosston, attending Pine Hill country school.
 
Craig was one of 12 children and grew up as the only boy. When his father Francis passed away, Craig became the “man” of the family at the age of only nine. He spent time on Ron and Janet Klinke’s farm earning livestock to help provide for his family.
Craig graduated from Fosston High School in 1974. From 1975 to 1976, he served in the U.S. Army, spending time in West Germany.
 
Over his 50 plus year career, Craig worked in agriculture, road construction, concrete, truck driving and maintenance. In addition, he was skilled in electrical, plumbing, masonry, woodworking and loved to share his talents and mentor others. The last 12 years, he worked in the oil fields of North Dakota, most recently for Black Gold Energy Service. Coworkers described him as a good man and a great teacher, and company leadership wished there were more like him.
 
In his spare time, Craig enjoyed spending time with family, helping his neighbors, doing home improvement projects, cooking, woodworking, feeding the birds, and listening to and discussing classic rock music.
 
Craig is survived by his wife, Gretchen of Conroe, TX; children, Shane (Chi Nguyen) Fjerstad of Bemidji, MN, Shelby “Berty” Fjerstad of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Aksel Fjerstad and Magnus Fjerstad of Bemidji, MN; siblings all from Minnesota, Susan (Chuck) Sherette of East Grand Forks, Sandra (Dave) Salvhus of McIntosh, Terry Myhre (Jamie Brown) of Walker, Debbie Fjerstad-(Marlin) Olson of Fosston, and Kristine (Marvin) Olson of Warroad; former wife, Lorraine Fjerstad of Lengby, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
 
Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marion; his son, Brandon Fjerstad (December 15, 1976); his brothers, Leroy Fjerstad and David Fjerstad; his sisters, Patricia “Patty” Fjerstad, Diane Fjerstad, Carolyn “Nippy” (Alfred) Knutson, Cheryl (“Jack”) Nelson.
 
Craig’s family welcomes you to share and view memories and photos of Craig on the McNutt Funeral Home website.
 
A celebration of Craig’s life will be held April 13th at 3 pm at the Community Hall in Lengby, MN. A private interment ceremony will follow at Brandsvold Cemetery.