Craig Robert Carlson
October 24, 1986 - July 14, 2012

"May God comfort your family and give you some kind of peace. With sincere sympathy, Beth Marotz Jens"

"Although you were the smoothest player I've ever had the chance to coach, I will always remember you for the gentleman you were off the field. Your constant smile and endless stories will be remembered always. You made the people around you better, on and off the field. I will remember you always."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the Lord. "

"Most of our Grafton memories involve some part of the Carlson Family...Rangers and then GHS soccer. Ashley and Jacob remember "Kevin's cool brother, Craig" taking time out of whatever he was doing to play soccer on the sidelines with them at the Ranger tournaments...making the little brothers/sisters feel special....but I think the greatest thing for me that Craig will be remembered for is the way Joshua and his friends/fellow Rangers/GHS teamates looked up to him for both what he did on and off the field. The passion with which he played and the manner in which he treated others will be forever in the hearts of those boys as well as the many others he touched in his short 25 years. Jim, Sue, Jimmy, Kevin and Kristen..we will keep you in our thoughts as you move forward through this difficult time."

"Jim, Sue and family, Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. We have so many fond memories of Craig over all of the years on and off the soccer field as do so many who have shared their thoughts. Your family is in our prayers and may our loving Lord hold you in his hands. From "Footprints in the Sand" "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Peace. "

"I had the privilege of spending many 4th of July's with Craig while growing up. My brother, sister, and I have many memories of swimming, tubing, water skiing, kneeboarding, fishing, 4 wheeling, golf carting on Dead Man's hill, bonfires, go-karting, and watching Uncle Jimmy's infamous fireworks show. We spent many vacations with Craig and his family on Nelson Lake, and they became a part of our childhood. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Bettie, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Sue, Jimmy, Katie, Kristin, and Kevin. There are no words to express how our family feels today. "

"I met Craig in 2010 - we worked together, I was his manager. He always kept me smiling and laughing and we had a good friendship. He helped me learn the Soccer sport (even when I did not want to). I'll miss Craig My prayers go out to the family. WM"

"Favorite memory...The smile on Craig's face after Carroll men's soccer victories over Oshkosh. Priceless. Of course, some good ole trash-talking took place prior to the games, as only he could do...and back it up. I love you dearly Craig and will miss you always."

"I was saddened to hear of Craig's passing. I had talked to Craig and worked with him during his short time at Baird. Please accept my families deepest sympathy and prayers during this time. While Craig had a short life, it seems that he lived every moment to the fullest. Blessing and prayers for you all. Carrie Robson Baird - Akron, OH"

"I have never seen someone practice so hard as Craig. He would lift the level of competition every time he was on the field. It wasn't in a way that most people would think. No matter what the game or the drill was, if his team won, he would break out into celebration. Soon, the other team would follow suit if they started winning and you would have both teams playing with so much vigor and enthusiasm. It was really something to witness. It was as though the whole team would take on his personality. I'll never forget his enthusiasm, he was a tremendous talent and an even better person."

"My heart is so saddened for Craigs family and friends. Be reassured that God's love and compassion will be with you in the times ahead. My most heartwarming memory came as we were taking Eric and Craig to hockey camp in Superior. We had a Sunday worship service at Bond Falls sitting on a big rock. How many boys would participate in worship on a rock. Craig did. Even as a young man he was a strong child of God. May you celebrate Craigs life and rejoice in the promise of the resurrection. "

"I met Craig and the Carlson family in 1996 when I played on the same hockey team as his younger brother, Kevin. It took very little time for the Carlson family to become my family. Jim, Craig's father, and Craig taught me the art of Texas Hold 'em poker. Part of poker, as any player will admit, is hiding your hand/play. Craig's biggest "tell" was always his grin. His grin will forever remain the highlight of my memories of him. Anyone who knows Craig has seen this very same grin in so many different contexts. Forever young, forever loved; Craig will always live on in my heart and memories. I thank every divine being of creation (Jesus, God, Karma, etc.) for the privilege and honor of having known him for 16 years. I expect you, Craig, to remain as an angel on my shoulder through all endeavors, both professional and pleasure, for guidance. I will forever love you, friend. Rest in peace. "

"My deepest sympathy to the Carlson Family. Although we have not kept in touch since the Washington County hockey days we were heartbroken to hear of your loss and please know that many thoughts and prayers are going out to all of you during this difficult time."

"My prayers go out to Craig and the Carlson family. I am blessed to have known Craig and played along side him Bantam year in Milwaukee. He was a great man from a great family. I am so very sorry for your loss."

"When our son Brett played hockey for the Pettits he immediately connected with Craig. We will always remember Craig's fearless zest for life, beautiful smile and his wonderful parents. Our sincere condolences. "

"Words cannot properly express our sympathy for your family. Although we did not know Craig well, we certainly do know very well the love that surrounded him as he grew up. We are sending our love to you all. "

"We met the Carlsons many years ago... at a hockey rink in West Bend. We had just relocated here, and Jim was there with Craig and introduced himself immediately. Not long afterwards, my son, "GR" became teammates with "Kev". Over the years, we traveled to many practices and games together, and the Carlsons quickly became our family. I have sat through many hockey & soccer games with Jim & Sue, just to watch "Craiger" do his thing. He had such a beautiful spirit. Quick to smile with a positive attitude and always something nice to say. We will miss him terribly, but he will FOREVER be in our hearts.... love, Tolloha, GR & Jakob"

"My son Phil Webber had the pleasure of playing with Craig. I coached him in a tournament in Kentucky. Besides being a smart and unselfish player, he also was fun to be around and had a great attitude. I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Craig was a great friend and teammate growing up together in youth hockey. I'll always remember traveling around the country for hockey weekends in the Carlson van, going to the Carlson house to play with their new pug puppy, spending time with our host families in Quebec, our meeting with Gordie Howe and the infamous Toronto Tower incident. I could always count on having a good time with Craig and his smile to keep us out of any trouble. My deepest sympathy to the Carlson Family."

"My heartfelt sympathies to the Carlson family. We were blessed to know and have Craig with us at the Croatian Eagles Soccer Club. You're in our thoughts and prayers. May Craig rest in peace. "

"Sue, Jim and family - words can not express our sadness of the loss of Craig - He truelyis and was a testiment to your faith and family values. Sharing in the Mission Trip with him was an incredible experience the girls and I will always treasure. As our trips song stated - " I can only imagine" May he rest in peace and God be with you all! The Riedl's"

"One of the best memories I have of Craig was taking my first plane ride ever to a hockey tournament in Michigan. Mr. Carlson heard I had never flown before and decided to fly us out there. We played video games and traded hockey cards (probably from Mrs. Dreyer) the whole trip. There were a lot of great memories from those youth hockey days with Craig, which will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Craig."

"Something I will never forget are the countless hockey games we played in and driving to muskoka canada to attend the Kris King hockey camp....I dont even know how many times we watched happy gilmore that trip. Rest easy big guy"

"All our love and prayers go to the wonderful Carlson Family. We always have and will continue to treasure all the memories of Craig attending or playing soccer games, encouraging or teasing Kevin and teammates, and posting hilarious Twitter/Facebook comments. He will be forever remembered with love, The Carlton Family- Danette, Steve, Matt, and Kathryn "

"Craig's mischievous grin was evidence of the love he had of sports and life and he spread that attitude to all his teammates and their families. His infectious spirit touched many lives. Our deepest sympathy to his parents and his family."

"Dear Jimmy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength during these very difficult days. Love, Jeff and Donna Gruetzmacher"

"I grew up with the Carlsons so I will always remember Craig as a little kid in his soccer uniform and when we went to West Bend to watch him play hockey. My heart breaks for Auntie Sue, Uncle Jim, Jimmy, Kristin, and Kevin. I love you all. "

"Little League Marlin Champions!!! The memories we have will keep us smiling eternally! RIP Craig! God bless the Carlson Family."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. "

"The Jaksic Family sends their prayers to Craig and his family. Craig was an asset to the Croatian Eagles Soccer team and he will be missed."

"Craig will live on through all of us - his kindness, gentleness, love of life, wit. I was truly blessed to know this fine man."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Carlson Family. We have only known Craig for a short time since he came to play with Croatian Eagles, but what a wonderful young man. He will be missed greatly. Franjo and Iva Vukovic"

"Craig and I were destined to meet, between rival soccer high school teams, Carroll and North Shore CC, There was no way that at one point he was not going to touch my life. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many and loved by all. ( To read my article on Craig see... http://sixfootperspective.blogspot.com/2012/07/craig.html)"

"http://sixfootperspective.blogspot.com/2012/07/craig.html"

"My favorite story of Craig, which I told a few days ago was when Craig and his teammates were playing hockey in Toronto. The team decided to go to the Toronto Tower in downtown Toronto. The Toronto Tower is a sky-high tower similar to the Space Needle in Seattle. The entire team was up in the Tower and Jim and I were trying to keep an eye on everyone as the boys scurried around the Tower. Suddenly, everyone stopped and looked outside the top of the Tower. Jim and I were horrified. Craig (probably on a dare) had climbed outside the Tower and was laying on some chicken wire that was placed on the outside area to stop people from throwing things off the Tower. There was nothing between Craig and the 1200 feet to the ground but that old chicken wire. Jim and I rushed outside to get him off that wire, and as he was pulled down, he flashed that devilish smile that was his trademark. Everyone who knew Craig will always remember that smile that only he possessed. I will miss him terribly, but Craig will never be gone from my heart."

"Dear Sue & Jim, my prayers are with you & your family during this challenging time. May you find strength in the love of your son's love of life. God bless, Joe Schwalbach "

"Craig was so fun and funny to be around we would always makes jokes around my sister Jenny. He will be greatly missed and our whole family is still in shock. this is very tragic and my prayer go out to his family"

"My deepest condolences to Jim, Sue and Family. I knew your family when I grew up and babysat the kids with Kim. I am so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie (Peterson) Coleman"

"Our favorite memory of Craig is watching him move those legs on the soccer field, he was so fast! Jim, Sue, Jimmy, Kristin, Kevin and family - our deepest sympathies to you. Our hearts are breaking for you, and we are praying for all of us to find peace, strength, and acceptance."

"My heart goes out to the Carlson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. "

"I didnt get to know Craig as much as I would have liked but I am an old family friend of the Carlsons and I remember Craig and his passion for playing Hockey. Keep on playing Craig up there along the stars. Many Prayers. God Speed Craig"

"Growing up in the house across the street from Craig on Butternut Lane.... for 21 years of my life I got to spend a million great memories Craig and his entire family. With all my heart i'm grieveing with the entire Carlson family.... My thoughts, prayers, and tears are with you."

"My thoughts and prayers go out this wonderful family who has just lost a loved one....one of their own....I really dont have a memory to post about Craig, because I didn't know him on a one one basis, but my brother did, and it just breaks my heart to see such a young, talented, sweet guy like Craig..pass away at such a young age....RIP....and you will never be forgotten!!!"

"My fondest memory of Craig was his warm and friendly smile and his love and amazing intense energy he gave to the sport of hockey. "

"I have so many amazing memories of Craig and his hockey years. He made everyone laugh. He was amazingly caring and just an all around great person. Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire Carlson family."