Craig Alan Middendorff

    Craig Alan Middendorff, age 63 of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Sioux Rapids, IA, was born on January 2, 1959 in Spencer, IA to Arthur (Art) and Oma (Small) Middendorff. Craig graduated from Sioux Rapids Community School in 1977 and attended Iowa Lakes Community College receiving a degree in carpentry. Craig lived life to the fullest. He always had a smile on his face, and he had a laugh that could fill the room. If family or friends couldn’t find him, they would just have to listen for his laugh. 

     Craig was a devoted and loving husband and father. On June 18, 1983, Craig married Kathi (Taylor) Middendorff. He and Kathi were blessed with two sons, Grant and Nelson, who filled their lives with so much fun, love and laughter. Some of their favorite memories are from traveling together as a family. Craig was always ready for a round of golf or to take the boat to Okoboji with his boys. He was a huge Minnesota Vikings fan, and the family attended home games for several years where they created many lifelong memories. He also loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, a passion that was made even more special when both of his boys became students at the University of Iowa. 

     Craig was a caring and dependable friend to many, never hesitating to offer a helping hand. Those who knew him will remember him as an authentic, fun-loving person, treating everyone he met with respect. His sense of humor was second to none, and he was as compassionate as he was funny. He valued time with those he loved, always prioritizing experiences with his family and friends. Craig was a man of many hobbies - he loved to hunt, fish and golf with his friends, and he cherished his annual trips with the guys. 

     Over the past few years, Craig and Kathi enjoyed spending time in Arizona, where friends and family loved to visit them. He made friends everywhere he went, and he became a beloved member of their Arizona community. 

     Craig was a valuable citizen of the Sioux Rapids community. He was baptized, confirmed and was a faithful member of First United Church, serving as a longtime trustee along with active involvement in many other church committees and positions. He proudly served as a member of the Sioux Rapids Fire Department for 35 years as well as a fire captain for several years. He was also a board member for the Sioux Rapids Golf and Country Club for over ten years. 

     Craig and Kathi owned and operated Middendorff Well Company for 38 years. In January 2021, business operations were transitioned to Brady Scheiber. Craig was proud of his contribution to the well drilling community. He was a member of the Iowa Water Well Association for 35 years, serving as President and board member for 8 years, along with the Upper Midwest Board of Directors. As a board member, he was honored to attend the Governor’s signing of the Groundwater Protection Act in 1987 and was a recipient of the Ber Zander Award, which was awarded to an individual who had committed time and devotion to the water well industry and people of the state of Iowa. 

     Those who loved Craig are proud to have been able to call him a brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Craig was a bright spark in this world, and his spirit is second to none. Craig lived his final years facing the challenges of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and he showed courage in meeting life’s obstacles with a smile. He was surrounded by devoted family and friends, who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Craig passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9th in Mesa, AZ. 

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathi (Taylor) Middendorff, two sons, Grant (Courtney) of Sioux Falls, SD and Nelson (Brady) of West Des Moines, IA, and the lights of his life, grandchildren Harrison & Elizabeth (Ellie). Also cherishing his memory are sisters, Joy (Jim) Knudtson, Risa (Jay) Willfong, brother in-laws Kent (Ann) Taylor, Kirk Taylor, Kevin Knopf, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. 

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be mailed to:

4304 W Townsley Pl 

Sioux Falls, SD 57108

In lieu of flowers, please consider a lit candle or a memorial to one of the following: 

Sioux Rapids Fire Department

Box 251

Sioux Rapids, Iowa 50585

First United Church

Box 373

Sioux Rapids, Iowa 50585

Little Sioux Golf & Country Club

Box 413

Sioux Rapids, IA 50585

The family would like you to join them following the service at the Sioux Rapids Fire Department to celebrate Craig’s life and share stories with family and friends. 

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