Craig R. Millius

Craig R. Millius

May 6, 1960 – July 7, 2024

Craig R. Millius, beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2024, in Valley, Nebraska. He was born to Richard and Gloria Millius on May 6, 1960, in Frankfort, Michigan. They soon moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where Craig spent his childhood embracing the great outdoors. Every day was an adventure, whether hunting, fishing, climbing trees, or running through fields. One of his cherished memories was riding in his dad’s Jeep with the top off, standing in the seats as they drove down the highway, and walking through the woods hunting squirrels together. In high school, he excelled in athletics. He played football, was an incredible wrestler—once making the local paper for defeating the number one in the state—and set a state record for track in the 2-mile relay, which stood undefeated until five years ago.

Craig furthered his education at the University of Iowa, where he studied business. In 1984, he began his professional journey at Teleconnect, which later became MCI. He worked for MCI for 23 years, consistently ranking in the top 3% of sales for 20 of those years, making it in the Winners Circle.

On March 31, 1985, Craig met the love of his life, Cyndi. Craig liked to say that Cyndi walked up to him and asked him to dance. Cyndi remembers him in a white polo shirt, all tan with muscles. That night, Cyndi’s friends invited him to go with them to Village Inn. The very next day, he showed up at both of Cyndi’s jobs and pursued her, and he never stopped. They married shortly after, and built a beautiful family, creating many wonderful memories throughout the years.

One of his bravest decisions was to take a leap of faith and start his own business. In 2004, alongside his business partner, Steve Gdovic, he founded eCard Transactions. Three years ago, he started an additional business called FeeHop. His son, Austin, and daughter, Ashlee, came alongside him and worked with him in the business. Craig cherished spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling with his family to explore new places. His favorite place was always by the water, whether it was the ocean, the river, or the lake he lived on. Making the most of every moment, he took a boys trip with his dad, son, nephew and brother-in-law, to the Boundary Waters each year. He enjoyed fly fishing in Colorado with his grandkids and exploring Yellowstone with his family recently. Often, you could find him on the lake with his grandchildren, fishing and spending time outside. His love for nature and family created lasting memories for everyone who joined him on these adventures.

He coached his kids not only in life,  but in every sport they participated in. Alongside his son and nephew, Craig volunteered coaching football for a Christian organization for underprivileged youth in South Omaha called the Screaming Eagles for 14 years.

Craig often shared, “My favorite Bible verse is going to be Isaiah 6:8: ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send? Who will go for us? And I said, Here I am, Lord send me.”

 Isaiah 6 describes how the prophet, Isaiah, through a vision from the Lord, begins his ministry for God. In the vision, the Lord asks, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ Isaiah’s response was to volunteer for service: ‘Here am I; send me.’ “This verse was the reason I spent so many seasons coaching and mentoring boys from the projects, over 20 years worth. I always thought that if it wasn’t me, who else would do it?”

“Many men and women who serve in our military will reflect on this Bible verse as well. I say this verse at least once a month in my prayers just to see what He will task me with.”

A dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, Craig shared this passion with his father, and the legacy continued with his children and grandchildren. Despite his professional and personal accomplishments, Craig considered his greatest achievement to be his family. In his own words,

“Out of everything I have done in my life, I am most proud of the children I raised.” His greatest joy was being a husband to Cyndi, a father and a Papa.” His life was a testament to his values: He said the only thing he could not live without would be God and his family. Here are some of his life mottos he lived by: “Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Build others up and help them shine. Never be late, always believe in yourself, be someone your family and friends can count on, put others ahead of yourself and they will follow you anywhere, be a leader. Never quit, take charge when things get tough, always try your best but know no one is perfect. Have a sense of humor, laugh often, do what is right, even when no one is watching, be humble, think outside the box, and pray often.”

Craig’s selflessness was most evident in his dedication to his family, always putting their needs and concerns before his own.

Craig leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Millius; his mother-in-law, Minnie Polsen; and his father-in-law, James Polsen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cyndi; daughter, Ashlee Millius and her fiancé, Alex Beber; son, Austin Millius and his wife, Krystina; son, Chad Nelson and his wife, Liz; grandchildren: Teagan, Hudson, Theodore and Weston; mother, Gloria Millius; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy and Dan Claxton; nephew, Brandon Claxton and his wife, Lindsay, and their children: Lincoln, Christian, and Ava; niece, Brittany Willis, and her husband, Jacob and their children: Amory, Owen, and Beckett; niece, Brooke Claxton; as well as many extended family and friends. His impact on their lives, and the lives of all who knew him, is immeasurable.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering love, loyalty, wisdom, and guidance.

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VISITATION: Sunday July 14, 2024, from 6:00 PM-8:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday July 15, 2024, at 10:00AM at Lifegate Church, 15555 West Dodge Road, Omaha.

INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Memorials are suggested to:  Victory Boxing Club or to the Family

To view a live broadcast of the service please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.