Craig A. Eirich

Craig A. Eirich, 67, passed away on the evening of October 1, 2022, surrounded by his children, at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, North Carolina, following a recent cancer diagnosis. Our family is deeply saddened by this unexpected loss. Craig was born on March 24, 1955 to Edward and Eileen Eirich in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and was raised by his loving foster parents, Charlie and Marilyn “Mert” Ihlefeld, where he spent time working on the family farm. After high school, Craig proudly served in the US Army, was deployed to Morroco, and was a member of the American Legion Post 83 in Sheboygan and D.A.V. Chapter 24, located in Manitowoc/Two Rivers area. Craig will be remembered by his foster mother, Marilyn “Mert” Ihlefeld; four children: Samantha Wittig, Nathaniel Eirich (Jennifer), Leeanna Eirich, and Sarah Miller; ten grandchildren: Jadavin Eirich, Andrew Zonneveld, Shane Martin, Aubrey Eirich, Ayden Eirich; Quincy Rivers, Eligha Wittig, Cerenity Wittig; Haley Wilson and Denzel Allen; and his three brothers: Stephen (Gen) Eirich, Gregory (Jill) Eirich, and David Eirich; Cousins: Kathy and Skip Westenberger. Craig is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Eileen Eirich, his sister Sandra Eirich, and his foster father, Charlie Ihlefeld. Through the years, Craig enjoyed creating memories while camping at Hoeft’s Resort and made many friends throughout the decades. His greatest joys include spending time with friends and family, watching the Green Bay Packers and spending time with his 3 cats: Sheba, Snickers and Oliver. Craig could have been an Elvis impersonator with his handsome good looks and impeccable vocal skills. We joked that he was “Nothin’ but a hound dog,” but he truly always had a heart of gold. Craig helped anyone he could and will be missed dearly by all who were blessed to have known him. He enjoyed riding his Ford tractor, puttering in the yard, and chopping and splitting wood. Craig was an avid pool player and enjoyed hustling with the younger generations. Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Gathering at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service,1132 Superior Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081, on Wednesday, October 19th 2022. Visitation from 12pm-1pm with a 1pm service. Following the service will be a procession and inurnment at the Lutheran Cemetery, located at 1836 New Jersey Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081, where a military honors burial will take place. We want to say a special thank you to everyone that was involved in his care during this difficult time. To the nurses, doctors, and staff at Onslow Memorial Hospital for providing kindness, comfort, and care; to his children for being by his side during this difficult time and for the guidance and support his brother, Gregory Eirich, provided throughout. To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service to offset funeral costs for Craig. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Craig's arrangements.