With much sadness and love, the family of Craig Wutke announced his passing on March 26, 2023 after a 13-month courageous battle with cancer.
Craig was surrounded by love and is survived by his wife of 37 years, Darla; daughters Nicole (Shawn) Maloney, Taylor (Cole) Bossence, Marlee Wutke (Austin Miller); grandsons Sterling Maloney and Wren Bossence; father Hardy Wutke; sisters Brenda (Jim) Nixon, Linda Joyal, Laura Wutke (Darrell Vanbocquestal); mother-in-law Pauline Budd; sister-in-laws Valerie (Kevin) Pritchard, Charlaine (Garnett) Straker, Alana (Jason) Walz; brother-in-law Ryan (Stacey) Budd; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. Craig is predeceased by his grandparents, Fred and Katarina Wutke, Jorgen and Jennie Gusaas; mother, Muriel Wutke; father-in-law, Grant Budd; brother-in-laws, Glen Heebner and Karl Joyal.
On June 1, 1964, Craig was born to Muriel and Hardy in Moose Jaw. Craig attended Palliser Heights and Central Collegiate Schools. Craig was social and always had a large group of friends. He was fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood where there was always someone to play road hockey with or explore the neighborhood. Craig’s childhood home was the center of many outdoor activities with all the neighborhood friends knowing that they would be welcomed with open arms. Throughout elementary and high school Craig played baseball, football and especially enjoyed being the goalie on many childhood hockey teams. The highlight of his high school time was meeting Darla where they were instant high school sweethearts, a romance that lasted over four decades. Following high school, Craig moved to Medicine Hat and Prince Albert to work as a manager for Bonanza before returning to Moose Jaw to settle down. Craig and Darla were married July 20th, 1985, in Moose Jaw.
In 1994 Craig completed Computer Information Systems at SIAST beginning a rewarding career that he loved. Craig worked as a Computer Programmer at various positions including SaskTel, Sask Education and Sask Wheat Pool. As his career progressed, Craig worked as an IT Systems Analysts for multiple corporations including Yara, Bombardier, and EHealth. Craig also spent several years as the owner and operator of Easy Care Living Center and enjoyed helping customers with their needs. Some of his greatest career accomplishments include IT system implementations at the new Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Most recently, Craig was Provincially recognized for work as part of the Sask EHealth team where Craig helped develop MySaskHealthRecord and Vaccine Verification. Craig was very dedicated and hardworking and enjoyed all his career opportunities. Craig gave back to the community through Cantabile Connection choir and Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club with a special opportunity to be on the Telemiracle 32 team.
Craig’s pride and joy was his family! Having grown up with three older sisters, Craig was a natural fit to become the most dedicated father to their three daughters. He embraced his role as a dance dad. He spent countless hours driving the girls to and from dance classes and watching every one of their dance performances. Together as a family, summers were spent at Palliser Regional Park enjoying family time at the beach, having barbecues, playing games, hanging out, and visiting by the fire with extended family and friends. Craig had a wonderful sense of humor and would often make jokes at his own expense to make others laugh. One of his favorite things at the lake was to prepare a full morning breakfast for his family to enjoy. Craig loved to travel and often took family vacations to Disney Parks, Mexico, and cruises. The role that gave Craig ultimate joy was that of Papa to Wren and Sterling! Craig’s eyes lit up when he was playing with Wren and Sterling, and he would do anything to make them laugh or giggle.
Craig was a dedicated husband, father, papa, son, and brother, brother-in-law, coworker and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Craig’s Life will be held on Friday, March 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Church. Reverend Tim Ellis will officiate. A Reception and internment at Rosedale Cemetery to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Craig’s name may be made to Saskatchewan Cancer Society.
In living memory of Craig, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd.
