Eugene Craig Proehl

Eugene Craig Proehl, 82, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019, surrounded by his family at Sanford Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND.

Craig was born on May 30, 1936, in Albert Lea, MN, to Herbert and Ruby (Hendrickson) Proehl. He graduated from New Richland High School, attended Luther College for two years, and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Craig was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joanne ‘Joni’ Walstrom on August 16, 1958, in New Richland, MN. He taught vocal music starting at Mapleton, MN, then Hastings, MN. He became the manager of Schmidt Music in Fargo, working there for 28 years before retiring in 2004. He was the church organist at Elim Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Craig and Joni enjoyed traveling and made their way to many places around the world, including France, Norway, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and took part in a few cruises. Craig loved music, especially musical theater. He enjoyed gardening and spending time at the cabin on Leek Lake. He very much so loved his family. He was an engaged and proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was there for his family whenever they needed him.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Joni; children, Patrice Proehl-Burnett, Pleasant Hill, MO, Caroline (Richard) Ness, Carver, MN; son-in-law, James Morrison; grandchildren, Heather VanZant, Amber Connor, Kristine (Christopher) McGuire, Kate (John) Amakye, and Sara (Daniel) Herrmann; great-grandchildren, Mszayah and Azasay VanZant, Ian, Cullen, Harrison, and Brooks McGuire, Emma Amakye; his beloved dog, Patches; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ruby; son, Thomas; brothers, Richard ‘Dick’ Proehl and Robert ‘Bob’ Proehl; and son-in-law, James Arthur Burnett.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 6^th, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Flowers may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th Street South, Moorhead, MN. Other donations may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or American Guild of Organists.