Craig Obed Kamrath

Craig O. Kamrath, 73, of Mesa, AZ, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Mesa, AZ.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Newman Grove, NE with Pastor Claire Meyer officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Trinity West Cemetery, Newman Grove, NE.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Craig Obed Kamrath was born December 16, 1950 at the Newman Grove Hospital, Newman Grove, Nebraska. The second child of Obed and Adrienne (Anderson) Kamrath. Craig attended grade school through the 8th grade at District #44: a one room schoolhouse in Madison County. He graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1969.

Craig spent many hours from grade school to adulthood on the baseball field. He made wonderful memories with his fellow teammates, even playing at the State Penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska where one of the players ended up getting his shoes stolen. Craig farmed and sold anhydrous fertilizer with his dad, Jack (Obed) until 1984. After his dad passed away, he moved to Mesa, Arizona and was in partnership in a powder coating business with friend, Ronnie Schafer. His last career change was in 1998 when he and his long-time friend, Ed Christianson established a hardwood flooring installation business named, "Classic Hardwood Flooring." With their crew, they worked throughout the Southwest.

He was a huge Husker fan and never missed watching the game.  He always knew what was new with the Huskers when you spoke to him. While still living in Nebraska, he hardly ever missed a home game, and was a season ticket holder for many years. There are too-many-to-count laughs we had with him while tailgating with the Kamrath family and his friends. His sense of humor and wit were beyond funny. Craig lived his final years quietly in Mesa and surrounded himself with friends in the Phoenix area. He enjoyed making memories in his favorite establishment, "Jupes".

He is survived by daughter: Rachelle Kamrath and husband Doyle Lyon, children Reginald and Alice Lyon of Woodbridge, VA; daughter: Stephanie Strong husband Trevor Strong, children Gabriel and Phoebe Strong of Lincoln, NE; siblings: Scott Kamrath of Venice, FL; Susan Staub and husband Bruce of Tilden, NE; Kevin Kamrath of Kearney, NE; Brent Kamrath and wife Linda of Columbus, NE; nieces and nephews: David Kamrath; Bethany Moye; Jamie Penne; Gina Seifert; Kelly Kamrath; Tara Kamrath; and Adam Kamrath.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: Albert and Grace Kamrath; and Johnny C. and Ida Anderson.