Craig James Golbach

Craig James Golbach died unexpectedly in Phoenix, Arizona on December 4, 2022 at the age of 56 years. He was born in Antigo, WI on February 4, 1966. He was the son on David and Beverly (Wheeler) Golbach.

Craig was baptized as a child of God at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1984 and went to college at UW of WI at Wausau and then graduated from MATC Mortuary School in West Allis, WI. He worked at the Joseph Sass Funeral Home before moving to San Francisco, CA where he worked for Charles Schwab Investments before transferring to their home office in Phoenix, AZ, having worked there for 20 years. He retired in 2015 and went on to volunteer and serve as a board member and Director of Animal Status and Welfare at the Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, where they rescued older dogs and found suitable homes for adoption. He always had a great love and compassion for all animals. Craig truly enjoyed learning the history and culture of indigenous tribes.

Craig is survived by his parents, 2 brothers, Jeff (Trish) Golbach of Stratford, Ed Golbach of St. Nazianz, 2 nieces, Lillian (Matthew Baker) Golbach-Baker, Lydia Golbach, his life partner Steve Hellenbrand, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and by his beloved dog, Joey.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Archie and Lorraine Wheeler and paternal grandparents, Edward and Margaret Golbach, 4 uncles; Bernard, Donald and Dennis Golbach, and Bernard Mckinney, and cousin, Courtney Mckinney.

A funeral service for Craig will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, Rev. Donald Engebretson presiding. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Polar, WI. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the time of service.

A celebration of life for Craig is pending in Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Craig’s name may be directed towards Craig’s family for “Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary”.