Craig William Pfeifer, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, was born on April 19, 1951, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and passed away on September 7, 2026, in Sioux Falls. He was the son of Loren and Phyllis (Roti) Pfeifer, raised on an acreage where his passion for rodeo blossomed. His dedication to rodeo led him to compete in the South Dakota State High School Rodeo during his senior year, where he also met his future wife.

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After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1969, Craig attended Augustana College, studying biology and chemistry with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. He married Karen Mikkelson on September 4, 1971, also from Sioux Falls, and graduated together in 1973.

Craig earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1977. His training included a preceptorship at the Veterinary Medical Center in Worthington, where he began his veterinary career. He practiced at the VMC from 1977, eventually serving as president and managing partner from 1980 to 2002. While he focused on swine production and management, Craig valued the relationships he built with clients.

In 1979, amid changes in the agriculture industry, he co-founded Oxford Laboratories, which specialized in custom-made vaccines. Craig served as Director of Veterinary Services until 1992, providing tailored customer service to veterinarians nationwide. He later co-founded Newport Laboratories in 1994, which aimed to address herd health issues through diagnostic testing. He held roles as Technical Services Veterinarian and Vice President there.

In 2005, Craig and the team moved Prairie Holdings Group to the “Big Red Barn,” where he became COO and enjoyed managing operations. He retired from veterinary medicine and agribusiness in 2013, cherishing the relationships he had formed throughout his career.

Beyond his professional life, Craig's faith and family were central to his existence. He was an active member of American Lutheran Church, where he managed the sound system, served on the Church Council, and participated in various committees and initiatives. He enjoyed a strong sense of community, exemplified through his many years of service with the Worthington Hockey Association, supporting young skaters and actively engaging in the sport.

Craig was a devoted family man, lovingly raising three children, Erin, Kyle, and Erik, and relished every moment with his eight grandchildren, ages 4 to 18. He instilled values of hard work, honesty, and faith, and celebrated family adventures outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen Pfeifer; daughter Erin (Brandon) Onnen and their children Laney and Liam; son Kyle (Megan) Pfeifer and their children Ryan, Alex, and Emma; son Erik (Danielle) Pfeifer and their children Ryder, Ollie, and Levi; and his sister, Jean Swanson.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, infant twin siblings Lynn and Laura, sister Julie, and brother Mike.

Memorial donations may be made to American Lutheran Church, the Worthington Hockey Association, or the Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra Legacy Fund established in his memory. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Worthington, MN, officiated by Pastor Jeremy Hallquist. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are under the care of Benson Funeral Home in Worthington.