Craig Bright

Craig Bright, 69 of Hurley and Viborg, passed away on March 15, 2024 at the VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 -7:00 PM Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Harmony Presbyterian Church, Hurley. Burial with Military Rights will be held at the Hurley Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Craig Steven Bright was born on September 15, 1954 to Gene and Betty (Benson) Bright. He grew up on the Bright family farm south of Hurley, SD by Swan Lake, and graduated from Hurley HS in 1972. After graduation, he attended the University of South Dakota @ Springfield where he studied house construction and played football. In mid 1973, he joined the work force at John Morrell Meat Packing Plant, Sioux Falls before enlisting into the US Air Force on August 2, 1974. During his 4-year enlistment, Craig served at McCord AFB Tacoma, WA, Shemya AFB Alaska Aleutian Islands, and Nellis AFB Las Vegas, NV. He was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant 1st Class in August 1978. He then returned with his family to Sioux Falls and back working at John Morrell until 1992 where he took over the family farming operation until 2007.

Craig married Vickie Stortvedt on May 5, 1974 and to this union three children were born. He married his current wife, Karen Vos on October 5, 1991.

Through the years, Craig was an avid hunter and trap shooter. He coached girls little league softball while his oldest daughter played and umpired/played men’s softball. He was a motorcycle adventurer traveling to places like Mount St. Helens, WA, Grand Canyon, AZ, Bryce Canyon, UT, Sturgis Rally, SD and many poker runs.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Viborg, SD). His children, Jennifer (Sioux Falls, SD), Jon (Salem, SD), Jackie and granddaughter Anesha (Sioux Falls, SD). Sister, Christe (Scott) Stewart (Sioux Falls, SD). Niece, Valerie Hurm (Gillette, WY) and 2 nephews, Tucker (Brittany) of Lennox, SD and Tyler Stewart (Sioux Falls, SD). As well as a host of other family and friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Charles (Chuck) and brothers in-law, Butch, Arvin and Gary Vos.