Craig Klapp

April 8th, 1951 - February 27th, 2008

Craig's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Craig here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Donna, Cara and Family, I am so very sorry to here about Craig. Being a gentle, kind and caring spirit will be his legacy that will be remembered by many. To this day, when I hear "Devil with the Blue Dress" I think of Craig and smile. I was always in awe of his talent.
Find comfort in knowing how much Craig was loved and respected by so many and how much joy he gave the world with his musical talent. My thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Mary Sue

Mary Sue Kanicki-Hooper

Craig and I have been good friends since High School, but have really gotten close the past 25 years or so. It is hard for me to accept that his life has been cut short. Craig was one of a kind. A real breath of fresh air in my world. I am confident everyone who knew him feels the same way. Since moving to Washington in 1998, I always looked forward to getting together with Craig when I visited Michigan. Last September (2007), we played back to back days of 27 holes of golf together. 2 glorious days of golf and friendship. Craig was so jazzed about music, golf, his job, and his family. His passion for life was incredible. I have not felt this devastated since my own Dad died in 1982. Goodbye, my friend, I hope to see you soon! I miss you so much now!

Bill Prussing

Donna, Amanda, Cara and Andy-We are deeply saddened by Craig's death. He was a wonderful man and an inspiration to many. We will always remember how much he cared about his family but, also, how he encouraged our children and others. We will always smile when thinking of Craig talking about anything to do with musical equipment. He could talk and talk and talk about it like we had any idea what he was talking about! He will be greatly missed!
Love, Randy and Caryn & family

Randy and Caryn Locker & Family

My sincere condolence, Donna for the loss of your husband, Craig. It's been many years ago, but I went to school with Craig back in 1967. He was a junior and it was my senior year. Craig and I were great friends and had many laughs together...it's truly amazing how the years have flown by. I do remember running into him years ago and I knew he was happy in his life. I just wanted you to know that Craig was a great friend...and I can remember him even after all these years. Please know that Craig is now in a much better place; I hope and pray that we all can have a wonderful "reunion" some day...May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow. Ray Damaske, Stevensville, MI

Ray C. Damaske, Stevensville, MI

Donna, Amanda, Kara and Andy: We are all thinking of Craig and praying for your family through this tough time. Ryan remembers your husband and father for the time he spent teaching ryan some guitar. I remember Craig at the golf course, he had a passion for that. Mostly, I think all of us, including Mallory, will remember Craig for the time he spent in the Worship Band at Hope. Craig always looked totally into the moment and the music and that lead to all of us getting more out of the worship. We will continue to pray for you and may God Bless Craig and your family.

The Dorow Family

To the entire Klapp family. I am so deeply saddened to hear about Craig. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I've known Craig since we were in our early teens spending many summers at Berrien Hills Country Club. Golf, swimming, and just having fun.....and Craig never had a hard time making us all laugh. He and Jeff would keep us in laughing until we cried. We didn't keep in touch much after high school, but whenever we ran into each other we'd just keep going like we never stopped. I saw Craig and Herb at a St. Joseph High School (our alma matter) football game this last fall....it was so good to see them both. We talked about my dad and how he was always willing to take Herb for a dollar or two, and said we had to get together this summer and play some golf. Craig will surely be missed by his loving family - but they will always have his smile in their hearts. To Craig's family, Donna, Amanda, Cara, and Andy - to Herb, Carol, Jeff, Kerry and Tom my deepest sympathies to you all. And I can safely say from the gang at BHCC we will always remember our friend Craig with loving thoughts and smiles on our faces. David Knight

David Knight

It is hard to say goodbye to our friend Craig, even though we all know it is time to do so. There is a parable that I've heard before that helps me and I would like to share it.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DIE?
Someone I loved died today. And I could not understand what it meant, until I went to the harbor. I watched a ship sailing and I stood looking at her until she faded on the horizon, and someone at my side said, "She is gone!"

Gone where, I wondered? Gone from my sight, that is all. The mast on the ship is just as tall, the figurehead of the lady on the prow just as beautiful–indeed the whole ship is just as it was when I saw it here in the harbor.

The diminished size, and total loss of sight of the ship is in me, not her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She is gone!", there are others across the horizon who are watching for her coming, and other voices take up the glad shout, "There! - There she is; there she comes!" And that is what it means to die.

Across the horizon, Craig has gone, to a place where he is welcomed by friends and family who have gone before him, to a place where there is no more pain or suffering. Thank you Craig for making my life and all of our lives better because of your friendship! Until our ship arrives know we love you and we'll miss you!

The Crow Family

I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Craig was a great man and I was proud to call him a friend. When I moved to South Haven Craig was one of the first people I met and more importantly trusted. My first impression of Craig was that he was a proud father and that sentiment stayed true over the years. He loved helping kids without hesitation or regard for the enormous time commitment. When it came to helping them there was no end to Craig’s energy. Many kids in South Haven have him to thank for their success in life. Craig and I had many conversations over the years and they inevitably turned to family, music, golf, football, and more golf. I can’t remember ever seeing Craig when he wasn’t smiling and loving whatever it was he was doing. I’m a better person and the world is a better place because of Craig Klapp.

Bob Welton

To Craig's family, Donna, Amanda, Cara, and Andy - Herb, Carol, Jeff, Kerry and Tom, I can’t think of any magic words to help you through this trying time. Craig was a special kind of man, a good friend to so many. The jokes never seemed to stop when he was around. Every fall when Craig’s buddies Bill Prussing and Bob Holmes came around for football games and late season golf we would go for a boat ride on Lake Michigan or up the St. Joe River. I’ll miss that boat ride this fall; it won’t be the same without Craig. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Psalm 120:1 says it best, “I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.” Ken Zimmerman

Ken Zimmerman

My family and I are from Evergreen Ministries in Hudsonville. We would like to send our love and sympathy to the family of Graig. The last time he was at our church I was singing in the choir and Graig was standing next to me.I just loved to hear him play, I sang in a gospel quartet for over 30 years and I have been I the recording studio owned by Bill Gaither 7or8 times and Graig had his playing at that level. What a joy to listen to him play. We are going to miss him.

Thomas L Van Huis and family

tom van huis

Donna--you and Craig have been my home away from home since I moved to South Haven. You were the first people that I really knew here and you really took me under you wing and have given me constant encouragement and support. Donna, You have been my soul sister and I love you so much! Craig is by far the most accomplished musician I've ever been blessed to know and lead worship with. He was always quick to encourage...he had a huge heart and was so loving and giving. I am a better person in so many ways for having known Craig. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. It's so hard to imagine music at Hope Church without Craig...I miss him so much already. But I know that he is ROCKIN OUT with Jesus and I can't wait til I get to see him and my Jesus face to face! Donna, Andy, Cara,and Amanda -- I love you all and will continue to lift you up in prayer. Hold onto Jesus and remember even as you are in the valley - that valleys fill first...as God pours out his mercy and peace and comfort, valleys fill first!

Stacey Sterkenburg

Dear Donna, Amanda, Cara, Andy; Aunt Carol, Uncle Herb; Kerry, Jeff & Tommy,
Our family is so very sorry to hear about Craig. We will miss him terribly. He was always such a fun and loving guy to be around. The family reunions at Mayme's were fun times to spend with Craig. What a wonderful cousin he was to us. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know. Love Always, Tom and Deb

Tom and Deb Manthei

Dear Amanda, Shaun, and Hanna,
So sorry to learn about your dad. Even though we cannot understand why God took him much too soon, what "Blessed Assurance" to know that he has only moved to a better place and is in Heaven rejoicing with his Savior. My prayer is that you feel God's loving arms around you giving comfort, strength, and peace as you go through this difficult time with your family. May you feel the friendship of others that care about you. Holding you close in thought and prayer now and in the days ahead.
In His Love,
Bob and Rhonda

Bob and Rhonda Talsma

Dear Uncle Herb,Aunt Carol, Jeff,Kerry,Tom,Donna,Amanda,Cara,Andy and your precious Grandbabies-

I am sitting here with tears streaming dowm my face knowing I cannot say anything that will make this easier for any of you and how your hearts must be breaking to lose someone so dear and precious to you all. However, thinking of Craig I cannot help but smile remembering what a funny,fun-loving and caring person he was to be around. Whenever my thoughts drift back to my childhood and days on Thayer Drive, Craig and the whole Klapp family are there with many fond memories.I know you are a strong and loving family and I pray that you find peace and comfort from your family,friends and faith that I know will surround you in this difficult time.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Love-

Mary,Paul,Evan,Tyler and Halie Sila

Mary Ross Sila and Family

I have on my desk a saying..."A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.' (Jackie Robinson) and "Success is the measure of how many lives you have touched positively." (Gerald Ford) These both describe Craig. When I really got to know Craig about 15 years ago he taught me about PMA..positive mental attitude. I today try and live by this outlook. You will only be touched by a few of those that Craig has touched positively in the next several days. His life was a great success because of the positive impact that he made. I only hope to be remembered with such positive outlook and thoughts as Craig and only desire that I also took his teachings and positively affected lives like Craig. Our prayers are with his family and those he touched. Remember the brightness that Craig brought when he entered a room.

Art Clarke

Dearest Donna,our special Cara, Amanda, and Andy. . How the memories seem to fill my head. . . all the times at "the lake". . . all the festivities through the years. . what a joy it was to always see Donna and Craig to come through the door. And of course, ALL THE MUSIC. The many weekends at THE MILL. What a time we all had ! Craig was the GENTLEMAN of them all. With his handsome face, kind words, and his dear heart.(I know I will always remember him that way). We all feel so fortunate and happy to have spent last Saturday evening with Craig and his family. . we love you all. Bye for now, Craig. LULU

Cindy Peters

Donna, Amanda, Cara, and Andy...I am so sorry. As shocked as I am I can only imagine how you all are feeling. I wish more than anything that I could be in SH right now to wrap my arms around all of you. You all are like my family. I cherish all the memories we have made together. I remember the last time I saw Craig and I am grateful for that. It was at York's on a summer night. We chatted and caught up. He kept his arm around me the whole time as if to say "here's a big hug." And at the end of the conversation, he asked me to pull his finger. And that is Craig. Always interested in you and your life, caring and compassionate, giving of himself and his time, and above all, funny. I myself know the joy of making others laugh, and I have and will continue to look up to Craig for his comedic abilities. For laughter is the best medicine, and Craig was the best doctor.

Ashley Ann Hale

Donna, Amanda, Cara, Andy: I'm so sorry to hear about your loss and I'm sorry I wasn't able to be around to come to the funeral, but you are all in my prayers and I hope that we can all remember from this seemingly horrible event that our only comfort in life and death is that we belong to Jesus Christ. It's simple yet incredibly difficult at the same time with times like these. Craig was an incredibly fun guy to talk to and be around, and I will miss him very much. Take care.

Paul Nienhuis

As we celebrate Craig's life and mourn his sudden passing, we're flooded with memories of the years we spent together raising our kids and enjoying each others company. Craig added a dimension to our lives that will never be forgotten and will always be cherished. His unconditional friendship and gift of always being able to make us laugh is precious to us.
Craig was so supportive of all his friends. It's our hope that we can use what we've learned from him to help Donna continue on without him. He was a special person in our lives and whenever we think of him, we'll always do so with a smile.
With love to Donna, Amanda, Cara, Andy and their loved ones....Brad & Ellen.

Brad & Ellen Klow

Andy,Donna, Amanda and Cara,
I want to express my love and prayers for "Craig" Going to his heavenly home!
I love your whole family and it seems like we have been family because of My....our grandmother Elizabeth.
Andy, I want to tell you that God has left you in charge to take care of you Mother and sisters, that will be easy for you to do because you have always done it, you are a great individule and you must keep the faith!!
Please call me so we can get together and share some stories or just talk.
I gave you my business card at your fathers home going. My number is 269.330.9679. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Love Scott ( Scottie)

Scott Williams

I learned of Craig's passing today from Cathy Harboldt from our old High school in St.Joe class of 1969, and memories overwhelmed me of a junior high school "sweetheart". He was kind, and a gentle soul. He is still fresh in my mind. Craig and Jeff were clowns,and Craig had the best dimples in our class. We always enjoyed the summer break in their Thayer neighborhood, after my piano recitals at my church 2 blocks from his house, we then would go to the park and swing. St.Joe."1965", when the old days were carefree. That should tell you how special this man was to me 43 years ago, and will always be. God Bless your family, and may you know he misses his family more....The Angels will be there to give you comfort, just ask. Love, Dee Dee Kelm

Dee Dee Kelm

Dear Donna, Amanda, Shaun, Kara, Jason and Andy, This is the first time I've ever responded in this format and it is not as private as I'm used to but I've found I received a larger picture of Craig by reading the other messages.
I wish I had been able to know him better as we had a mutual concern that I would have liked to have talked to him about. I did appreciate that you allowed Kristin and I to care for Hanna, Danny and Caleb during the afternoon visitation and hopefully bring you happy babies at the end. It helped us a lot to be given a way to be useful. At the funeral it was encouraging to hear about all the love from your friends for Craig and for their reminders of his, and their, love for all of you. And how everyone was supported by faith in God's love. Great support! Love Judy B

Judy Bredeweg

Dear Donna, Cara and Family,
There are no words to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Craig was an amazing man who was always smiling and upbeat. You can see what a inspiration and positive influence he was when you looked at his children. Cara, a special hug and prayer to you and your mom since you were the one's we knew best. Your entire family will be in our hearts and prayers. Craig was someone who touched everyone and will be forever missed.
With Love, The Robens

Tom, Linda Rachael and Zach Roben

Dear Donna and Family...
We cannot express how shocked we were about Craigs passing or how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Although we've known of Craig for years through his music, it is only in recent years that we had begun to know him more as a friend. It is so very obvious by all these condolences how many friends he had, how many lives he has touched and how many will feel a loss. We hope you will find some comfort in this.
Our Deepest Sympathies...Mark & Wanda

Mark & Wanda Szczepkowski

I just heard about Craig's untimely passing yesterday. I was a member of the Willa/Thayer neighborhood and we have been friends for about fifty years. I will always remember the pickup football games in his parents front yard, the constant badgering and teasing about Craig and Jeff being MSU fans, an occasional dinner that his mom prepared, and all the other fun we used to have as kids in the hood. We always had great discussions about everything at SJHS class reunions. I remember meeting Donna at all the reunions and what a wonderful person you are. More recently, Craig and I have been trading e-mails pretty regularly and he has been my info pipeline to the Class of 1969. I am really sorry that we were never able to hook up and play golf. My condolences to all of the family. Graig is in a better place and I'm sure waiting for all of us to get there. He's holding that tee time :) Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out.

Bryce Culverhouse

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Donna, the children and grandchildren regarding the untimely passing of Craig. Craig and I go back to the Lincoln School days and the old neighborhood where we shared many priceless memories. In more recent years it was getting together for the occasional football game or socializing in SJ. Craig was always a pleasure to be around as he exuded such an upbeat attitude in everything he did. I was so happy that he and Tim Zerbel "crashed" the Class of '70 Thirty Year Reunion at Colleen Gillespie's since we got to spend alot of time together that magical evening. He will be missed very much.

Bob Holmes

Grief is the price that life periodically extracts from those who live long and love deeply. When we lose a loved one darkness overwhelms us for a while, and it seems as if we cannot summon the strenght to face another day, but with God's help , we can and you will. We feel so fortunate to have spent some last moments with you and Craig. Those moments will forever live in our hearts as will he. Be proud of the way he lived his " DASH" . Our love to you and your family.

Les and Wanda Adkin

Donna and family: I was so shocked to hear about Craig. I am on the road all the time, but when I came home last week I found out the sad news. I spoke with your bowling team and they told me you were doing as well as can be expected. Craig was a great guy and I will always feel I have been blessed to have you and him in my life. I know he is in God's hands and is well taken care of. I pray for you and your family, but I know you believe Craig is doing well. You will be too. Stay strong, and know that Craig is watching over you.

Love to you all.

Connie

Connie Riston

Donna,

I just learned today - 7/23/08 - of your loss of Craig in Feb. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Craig was a a wonderful and kind person. It was a joy to say I knew him for a period of time in my Life.

I remember his helping others, often, and all out of the goodness in his heart. Remebering the times we all did things together.

Take consolation in your fsith and trust the Lord is keeping Craig in His care. May God Bles you all.

With my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the Klapp family. You have been thought of often, through the years.

Eileen