Craig Charles Hoff

Craig was born on December 3, 1944, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Charles and Angeline (Perry) Hoff. He attended McKinley Elementary and Junior High Schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School with the Class of 1963. Craig proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967.

On August 7, 1980, Craig married Karen L. Neu, the love of his life. Together, they built a loving home and shared 46 years of marriage, raising four children: Matthew, Amy, Gina, and Tara. Craig was also a proud and loving “Papa” to his six grandchildren: Nikolas, Madison, Ellsa, Carter, Anna, and Ava.

Craig earned a bachelor’s degree in education and marketing from Western Michigan University, followed by a master’s degree in counseling from UW-Whitewater. He dedicated more than 25 years to teaching and counseling at Cedarburg High School, where he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His passion for marketing and entrepreneurship continued long after his retirement, leading him to start a small business selling apparel and sports memorabilia. It was another way for Craig to share his enthusiasm for sports, connect with people, and pursue something he truly enjoyed.

Craig lived every day with a true passion for life. He loved golfing, dancing to the music of the 1950s and 1960s, playing Mota, trying new restaurants, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He was proud of his Italian heritage and embraced the warmth, traditions, food, and family-centered spirit that came with it. Craig loved good Italian food, lively gatherings, and the simple joy of sitting around a table with the people he loved. A devoted sports fan, he faithfully cheered for the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers.

One of Craig’s happiest places was Fort Myers, Florida, where he loved spending his days enjoying the pool, sunshine, and good food, especially oysters. He found great joy in being surrounded by people and had a gift for making every gathering more fun, memorable, and full of laughter.

Craig’s greatest pride was his family. He was endlessly grateful for his wife, Karen, who shared 46 beautiful years with him and provided him with immeasurable love and devoted care. He cherished his children and grandchildren and took immense pride in the people they had become.

More than anything, Craig will be remembered as the life of the party and the heart of the family. His larger-than-life personality, sense of humor, warmth, and love for others made him unforgettable. His presence brought people together, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Craig is lovingly survived by his wife, Karen Hoff; his children, Matt (Holly) Neu, Amy (Hans) Feller, Gina (Andrew) Bongard, and Tara (Josh) Kruckeberg; his loving grandchildren, Nikolas, Madison, Ellsa, Carter, Anna, and Ava; his sister, Sharon Peterson; his brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary) Smith and Tim (Joyce) Remus; as well as extended family and countless dear friends.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Angeline (Perry) Hoff; his parents-in-law, Roland and Norma Remus; his brother-in-law, Jeff Smith, and several close friends.

Craig’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched throughout his 81 years. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by those fortunate enough to call him husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The American Heart Association or Honor Flight Network.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Shully’s Watermark in Thiensville, Wisconsin. A second celebration of life will also be held in Fort Myers, Florida, at a later date.