Craig Steven Lefler
February 22, 1969 – February 22, 2023
VISITATION: Friday, March 3rd from 5pm to 7pm at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 15050 West Maple Rd., followed by MEMORIAL SERVICE at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Beloved father, husband, son, brother and friend. Survived by his wife Heidi Lefler (Haywood), and daughters Emma and Hannah; parents, Glen and Ellen Lefler; parents-in-law Bill and Bette Haywood; sister, Kim (Al) Whittaker (Megan & Andrew); brother-in-law Mat (Jessica Kjar) Haywood (Mccoy, Isabel, and Kolt); sister-in-law Polly (Scott) Haiar (Harper & Camden); other relatives and many friends.
Craig was born February 22, 1969 in Kearney, NE to Glen and Ellen. He was the first-born in the family and grew up in Kearney with his sister Kim. Craig was very active as a young boy playing multiple sports including golf, baseball, basketball, football, and tennis. A great accomplishment during his youth was earning his Eagle Scout Award after participating in Boy Scouts for 10 years. In high school, he was in the marching band and also competed on the Varsity Golf team at Kearney High School, and then after moving to Lincoln, he competed on the Varsity Tennis and Varsity Golf teams at Lincoln East High School. After high school, Craig attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing.
After graduating with distinction, Craig began a very successful career in Banking and Financial Services. He started his career as a bank examiner for the FDIC out of Kansas City. He then transitioned into banking and is now the Western Regional Manager and Market President at Availa bank. During his career he graduated from the Southern Graduate School of Banking. Craig was a tremendous relationship-builder and was very successful within the commercial real estate and commercial banking areas. He was very skillful in attracting and retaining clients by forming extremely strong relationships with his clients, employers, and peers through his many years in this industry and was very well-respected. He was a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and also served on several boards including the Sienna Francis House, the YMCA and Project Harmony. Giving back to the community was important to Craig and he valued the time he spent with those organizations.
In 1999, he married Heidi Haywood, and they had two daughters Emma and Hannah. Craig’s role as a husband and father is one of his greatest accomplishments. He was a tremendous role model for his daughters, nieces, and nephews. The love he has for his wife and daughters could be seen in every interaction with them. He cherished the time he was able to spend with them and enjoyed introducing them to different experiences by traveling around the country. One of their favorite summer vacation spots was Vail, CO, where they would enjoy golfing, hiking, horseback riding, riding UTVs, shopping, spas, and great food. He was a very devout father and never missed attending their youth soccer and basketball games, and their high school basketball games and golf tournaments. Craig enjoyed playing golf with his family, and many golfing friends and colleagues. He also liked fishing and hunting and completed several hunting and fishing trips with family members through the years. He was an avid Husker fan – attending football and basketball games – and was a master griller at the tailgates before the games.
Craig instantly made friends and would light up a room with his witty personality and awesome sense of humor. He had a contagious personality and made an instant connection with every person he met. Craig will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he has touched. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and a great role model in all aspects of his life.
Craig was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents, and a paternal aunt and uncle.
8 Comments
I am so very sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I worked with him at Mutual of Omaha Bank and it was a pleasure each and every time I got to speak with him. Know that heaven has received another angel that will be looking down upon you each and every day. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Heidi and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you as you navigate life without your loved one.
I am sorry for your family’s loss. I enjoyed the time working and golfing with Craig when I was in Omaha. He will be missed.
Heidi, Emma and Hannah. I was truly saddened hearing from my mother the passing of Craig. Memories of my first Huskers game, tailgating with the family and Craig helping me secure tickets. Thanksgiving in Britton and going to the indoor shooting range. There are some good people in this world and Craig was one of them. Prayers from my family to yours.
Heidi and family, I’m so saddened to hear about your husbands passing. He sounded like an amazing person to know. We’ll all be thinking of you and the girls and his whole family back here in Britton. If you come back up this way in the future for a visit we would love to be able to see you and you can share your great memories of him! You’re in my prayers
Heidi and Family, I’m so sad to hear this news. I enjoyed golfing with Craig and our time together at Ironwood. Thinking of you today and my prayers are with you and your daughters.
We were so sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. I am passing the sad news on to Donovan, Dori, and Jeremy. We loved you all as great neighbors and friends and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Carla Brooke and family.
I was so sad to read of Craig’s passing. He was one of my favorite people in high school, his fun competitive spirit drove me on (to beat him.) He was a brilliant person & although we lost touch after we graduated I knew he would be successful in life. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
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