Craig A. Welliver, 73

Craig Alan Welliver, 73, of Lead, SD passed away at home on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Craig was born in Lexington to Vernon and Elleanor (Dodge) Welliver on February 18, 1950. On April 16, 1954, his brother Cole arrived.

Craig was an onery boy who loved to play cowboys and indians, but Craig always had to play the part of the Indian, this would start a foundation for how Craig’s life would playout. Craig was fascinated with Indian customs and culture so much so that he studied the language throughout his life and became fluent in the Lakota Sioux Language.

Craig met Phillyis Grayek at a dance/party and even through Phil was engaged to someone else at the time, Craig managed to win her over and they married in 1970. On May 25, 1971, their daughter Samantha (Sam) Kay was born and five years and three days later May 28, 1976, their son Travis Patrick completed the family.

Craig was an avid outdoorsman his entire life. He loved hunting with his dad any chance he could get. Craig always said he was born 200 years too late and felt he was a reincarnated Mountain Man. His family vehemently objected teasing that he would have never made it without indoor plumbing. Craig wasn’t a handyman in anyway shape or form, but he could throw an axe or shoot a deer with the greatest of ease. He had a gruff exterior, but a tender heart that he didn’t let very many people see. He was a grumpy man/old man, but he loved his family fiercely. When his grandkids came along, a whole new side of Craig appeared. He loved to joke and tease and was the biggest storyteller or as his family called it the biggest BS-er.

Craig held a bachelor’s Teaching Degree with emphasis in History/ English and was very proud of that accomplishment, but his most treasured profession were his years he served in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff in Dawson and Cherry Counties in Nebraska.

In 2016, Craig retired and along with Phil moved and made their home in Lead, SD. Craig’s curmudgeoned heart grew that of three sizes that day, not unlike the Grinch, whom he greatly identified with.

Craig’s family always referred to Craig as the grumpy old man, but knew how to get a rise out of him and make him laugh and when Craig laughed, the whole room laughed. He loved Caddyshack and was obsessed with the gopher and Ted Knight’s quotes from the movie. He loved the movie Christmas Vacation and his favorite holiday was Halloween, as he loved to scare kids!

He was beyond proud of his grandkids, Trevor Mann, Mariah Welliver, Andrew Phillbrick, and great-grandson Sebastian Phillbrick- Dozler. He was especially proud that Trevor was following in his footsteps and beginning a teaching career and was over the moon to recently see Mariah graduate from Valentine High School.

People that Craig had to put up with were his wife, Phil of 52 years, his brother, “Baby Dunky” Cole Welliver, his “kid”, Sam (Shad) Mann, his son, “Otis” Travis (Crystal) Welliver and the “stars in his eyes” his grandkids Trevor, Mariah, Andrew, and Sebastian.

So, Craig would now say enough is enough and “You’ll Get Nothing and Like It!”

A Celebration of Life to be held later. A memorial has been set up by the family in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels. com