Helen Johanna Craig

Helen Johanna Craig (Pries),77, of Bangor, Danced thru Heaven’s gate on Sunday, December 27.

She was born December 20, 1932 in St. Joseph, Michigan to William and Helen (Natzke) Kasischke. Helen was a dedicated wife to Thomas Craig for 44 adventurous years. When Thomas met Helen, she was a young widowed mother of 4 small children, Marjorie, Linda, Laura and Fred Pries III. In a few short months they were married adding Thomas's 3 young sons, Thomas Jr., Mark and Brian to make their family of 7 children. In just 4 years they completed their family with an 8th child, Andrea. Helen, who previously was a dispatcher at Benton Township Police Post, left the workforce to care for her family. She enjoyed music, dancing and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen moved to South Haven with Thomas in the mid 80’s and they pursued their dream traveling the United States via a 5th Wheel from 1989-2000. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church of South Haven.

She is preceded in death by her father – William Kasischke and mother – Helen Kasischke, sister – Anna and 2 brothers – Herbert and Robert.

She is survived by her brothers – Louis and Martin Kasischke, husband Thomas Craig and all 8 children, 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6-8 on Tuesday, December 29 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of South Haven with Pastor Jerry Koller officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Children's Ministries at the First Baptist Church of South Haven. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.