Please note date of Memorial Service
Craig Allen Niles, age 59, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020, at his residence. Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel. Chris Heath will officiate. The service will be Live-Streamed on our website and Facebook Live. Face masks are required.
Visitation will be prior to the service.
Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Regan Taecker, Ke Taecker, Caitlin Manzey Leslie Bendel, Bridgette Bendel, Sandra Bendel and all of Craig's friends at Dakota Tube. Active pallbearers are: Steve Taecker, Jace Taecker, Austin Manzey, Brock Manzey, Marty Young, and Bryant Bendel.
Craig was born on November 15, 1961, to Rodney and Sharon (Aker) Niles, in Sisseton, SD. He grew up on the family farm near Waubay, SD, where he enjoyed playing basketball, riding horses, and was involved in 4-H. The family moved to Watertown and he played football. Craig was never afraid of hard work. At the age of 14 he started his first job, later becoming a manager at Burger King with a side job at Photo Quick. After deciding to have higher aspirations, he worked at the United States Postal Service, which led him to California for several years. Craig then returned to South Dakota where he owned a dairy farm near Henry, SD. He later sold his property to purchase his father's acreage near Watertown. Craig was currently working at Dakota Tube, where he had been for many years.
Craig had a love for many things, including rock concerts, animals, and especially his family. He never passed up a chance to visit and definitely had a gift for gab. He enjoyed watching his nieces compete in horse competitions, hosting mini rodeos, and attending family gatherings. Craig touched many lives with his kind and loving spirit. He loved all animals, especially his best friend, his dog Khloe.
Craig is survived by his mother, Sharon Niles of Watertown, SD; and his sisters, Nicky (Chris) Heath of Onida, SD, Kathie Manzey (fiancé Marty Young) of Watertown, SD and Tammy (Steve) Taecker of Watertown, SD; and his grandmother, Veta Aker.
He was preceded in death by his father; two grandfathers; and one grandmother.
Service Details.
Visitation
When: January 2, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel
Service
When: January 2, 2021 1:00pm
Location: Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Craig A. Niles, please visit our floral store.