Craig Anderson

Craig John Anderson, age 82, died unexpectedly on July 31, 2026. Known affectionately to many as “CJ," to family as “Spark,” he was a beloved husband, father, brother, and a deeply valued friend to many. Born on November 6, 1943, Craig was the cherished husband of Lauren Nickisch, with whom he shared 25 exciting years of marriage in Pequot Lakes, MN. Together, they were vibrant and active members of the Pequot Lakes and Brainerd community theaters for many years. CJ brought immense passion, creativity, and skill to local stages.

As a multi-talented actor, director, and technical and special effects expert, he poured his heart into every production he touched. His creative legacy will live on in the community he loved. From his high school years at St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul MN, through his US Army duty in Chicago, IL, to Greece where he sailed the Mediterranean in a submarine as a systems engineer, as a Twin Cities Rally Club racer, and a founding member of Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame bluegrass band The Middle Spunk Creek Boys, CJ expressed his creativity through many fields of interest - even endeavoring to become a Begleri skill-toy multi-billionaire with his brother and son in the ’90s. No such luck but so much fun.

He is survived by his wife, Lauren; his children, Heathcliff and Orion; their mother, Jan; grandchildren, Christian, Madeleine, Sebastian, and Richard; his brother, Curtis; sisters, Carolyn, Celeste, and Cheri; cousin, Cindy Rieck; and a circle of friends and fellow theater lovers around the world who will miss his warmth, talent, and dedication.

His headstone quotes him: “It was Fun being Me.”

A private graveside service will be held at Pelican Woods Cemetery next summer. Memorial donations on behalf of Craig are gratefully accepted by the Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts. Send to Pequot Lakes Community Education at 30805 Olson Street, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472.