Stanley Craig Moleski

December 18, 1935 – July 24, 2026

Craig Moleski, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on December 18, 1935, in Torresdale, Pennsylvania, to Mary Brown Bryce (Maisie) and Stanley B. Moleski. The family owned and operated a grocery/meat market and working through challenging years following the Great Depression instilled in Craig a lifelong sense of hard work and resilience.

Craig was the oldest son and shared a close bond with his younger brother, Walt. They had many wonderful adventures together. Unfortunately, Craig lost his father at the young age of 14. Maisie worked diligently so both boys could attend Episcopal Academy, where Craig graduated from high school. He earned a four-year scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he studied civil engineering, and later received a fellowship to study structural engineering at the University of Illinois, earning a master’s degree.

Craig then moved to San Francisco, where he worked at Kaiser Engineers. He joined a bowling league—where fate introduced him to Carol Jean Oas. They married on June 18, 1960, in Menomonie and soon embarked on a new chapter in Iwakuni, Japan, where Craig served in the Navy Corps of Engineers. Carol taught English, studied Japanese, and they embraced the culture during their three-year stay. Their first child, Julie Renee, was born there, followed by Eric Craig, Kirk Walter, and Michael Charles on their return to the United States. Settling in Minnesota, Craig and Carol eventually moved into their dream home on Lake Minnetonka, where they hosted many gatherings filled with laughter, boating, and cherished family traditions. Craig thrived as a successful Construction Project Manager. He worked for several large commercial construction companies before starting his own firm, The Builders. His son, Kirk, soon joined him and they worked together until Craig retired.

Craig’s life was defined by his kindness, strong faith, and devotion to family. He was an immensely proud father, grandfather to ten, and great-grandfather also to ten children. He was a sports enthusiast, coached his sons’ many sporting activities and was a dedicated and often disappointed Vikings fan. Forever the optimist, he was a great source of encouragement to his children and grandchildren, taking joy in all their pursuits. Craig enjoyed bridge, cribbage, 500, Sudoku and could always be counted on to be a good listener. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing with his sons and friends – even when the round of golf tested his patience! A man of many talents, he was also an enthusiastic gardener evidenced by his colorful flowerpots, and a master chef and all looked forward to his culinary masterpieces.

Craig will be remembered for his quick wit, famous one-liners, zest for life and, of course, his inability to pass up an opportunity for ice cream! His legacy lives on in the countless memories shared with family and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Stanley Moleski; his beloved wife, Carol and his brother Walter Moleski and brother-in-law, James Chaffee. He is survived by his children Julie (Brad) Greiner; Eric (Hilary) Moleski; Kirk (Paula) Moleski and Michael (Mindy) Moleski; grandchildren Blake (Clare) Greiner, Andrew Greiner, Nicole (Jake) MacNeill, Ellen (Traci) Moleski, Grace Moleski, Brittany (Ray) Seaburg; Hannah (Ryan) Horn, Jared (Emily) Moleski, Cade (Cady) Moleski and Leif Moleski; great-grandchildren – Parker Greiner; Owen, Vivienne and Callan MacNeill; Olivia and Chloe Seaburg; Henry and Hudson Horn; Noah and Sage Moleski; his sister in laws Joyce Chaffee and Shirley (Dick) Rassbach; sister-in-law Aileen Moleski, and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake on August 8, 2026. Visitation at 10 am, and service at 11 am followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the caregivers at the BeeHive Homes of Maple Grove.