Craig Andrew Jaton

Craig Andrew Jaton died Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg, SD due to complications of COPD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Irene. Burial will follow in Eventide Cemetery, Woonsocket, SD.

Visitation will be from 5-7PM, Monday, September 9, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church.

Craig was born July 23, 1959, to Norma Anderson in Madison, SD. He attended country school in Letcher, SD and finished the 8th grade in Yankton, SD.

He married his first wife in 1978 and a son, Christopher, was born to this union. He later remarried in 1981 and was blessed with sons, Jason and Joseph.

Craig made a living driving semi, hauling cattle and grain. He was a Volunteer Fireman and First Responder in Irene for many years. He worked for area farmers up until a devastating farm accident in 2014. Craig was strong willed and managed to survive numerous surgeries and life challenges that allowed us to be blessed with him for an additional 10 years.

Craig was a very talented handy man and could fix just about anything for his daughters-in-law. He was able to pass these skills on to his three sons. He loved his kids and grand kids more than anything and would do what he could to make sure they were spoiled rotten with toys.

Craig enjoyed spending his last years with his soulmate Vickie. He liked to help her on the farm and especially going to show cattle at numerous fairs throughout the summer. They would also add to Craigs’ antique collection of old lamps and old iron.

Spending time with family was very important to Craig. He looked forward to “family camp” each summer.

Thankful for having shared his life, are his three sons: Christopher of Yankton, SD, Jason (Michelle) of Irene, SD and Joey (Brenda) of Wagner, SD, soulmate Vickie Mensch-Geuther of Wakonda, SD, mother, Norma Anderson of Yankton, SD. Also, siblings Fred (Cheryl) Leetch of Pierre, SD, Patty Happe of Yankton, SD, Scott (Hazel) Lowery of Rapid City, SD, Alice and (David) Hegert of Rapid City, Lovell Giedd of Yankton, and Tammy Zoss of Yankton. Also, grandchildren; Tyler Kokesh, Tyler Aune, Justyn Jaton, Keeley Jaton, William Jaton, Kylie Gengler, Koury Serck, and Tapanga Jaton.

Craig was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother-in-law David Giedd.