Obituary for Craig Allen Oatten
Oatten, Craig Allen.
Bay City, Michigan Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Craig Allen Oatten, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in the morning hours of Saturday, January 28, 2023 at his residence in Bay City, Michigan. Age 64 years. Craig was born on February 1, 1958 in Saginaw, Michigan to his loving mother, Shirley Jean (Engelhardt) Oatten, and his late father, Robert Lyle Oatten. Craig was a graduate of Swan Valley High School. While in high school and after graduation, Craig worked for McDonald’s Nursery assisting in the warehouse, with deliveries, on the tree farm, and in the store during the holidays. Craig received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and attended the Police Academy at Delta College. After graduating from the academy, Craig went to work for General Motors for three months while working part time for the Carrollton Police Department. He became a full time officer in 1984, Police Chief in 1996, and Township Manager in 2006. Throughout his time with the department he elected to further his education and training by attending specialized law enforcement and township management seminars. The job always had its ups and downs, but throughout the years Craig was blessed to assist the community in numerous different ways. Craig was a member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Saginaw County Association of Chiefs of Police, Central Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Fordney Club of Saginaw County, Carrollton Township Representative for the Northwest Utility Authority. Fraternal Order of Eagles #3465, Grayling Moose Lodge #1162, Knights of Columbus, and 100 Club of Saginaw County. On November 22, 2021 in Bay City, MI Craig married his longtime loving companion of 15 years, Cheryl Ann (Nelson) Valentine, and she survives him. He was an avid golfer, gardener, and meticulous yard mower. Craig always enjoyed playing and watching sports; especially football, baseball, and golf. One of Craig’s favorite places to get away with family and friends was at his cottage at Higgins Lake; he was well known for his barbequing skills and always loved a good steak on the grill. He had a strong interest and beliefs in politics; always educating himself to know where he would stand on a topic. Everyone will remember Craig’s organizations skills; from his tool placement in the garage to his office at work to the refrigerator at his house. Everything had to be perfect. Craig is looking down on family and friends with a good cold Bud Light and a lucky Keno ticket.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Cheryl Ann (Nelson-Valentine) Oatten; children, Stephanie (Kris) Copeman, Steven (Bethany) Oatten, Matthew Oatten, and Ashton Keel; two grandchildren, Kendall Copeman and Kinsley Oatten; mother, Shirley Jean Oatten; brother, Charles “Chuck” (Debb) Oatten; sister-in-law, Brenda Leland; aunt, Nancy Frost; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends, and colleagues. Craig is happily reunited with his father, Robert Lyle Oatten; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Nelson; and several aunts and uncles.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. Saginaw, MI 48603 (Between McCarty and Shattuck Rds.). Officiating will be Chaplain Don Killey. Visitation will take place at The Snow Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Committal Prayers and Interment will take place at the Oak Ridge Cemetery on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the “Wishes of the Family”, in care of Cheryl Ann Oatten. Contributions will be given back to the community at the family’s discretion. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net
Bay City, Michigan Formerly of Saginaw, Michigan
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Craig Allen Oatten, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in the morning hours of Saturday, January 28, 2023 at his residence in Bay City, Michigan. Age 64 years. Craig was born on February 1, 1958 in Saginaw, Michigan to his loving mother, Shirley Jean (Engelhardt) Oatten, and his late father, Robert Lyle Oatten. Craig was a graduate of Swan Valley High School. While in high school and after graduation, Craig worked for McDonald’s Nursery assisting in the warehouse, with deliveries, on the tree farm, and in the store during the holidays. Craig received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and attended the Police Academy at Delta College. After graduating from the academy, Craig went to work for General Motors for three months while working part time for the Carrollton Police Department. He became a full time officer in 1984, Police Chief in 1996, and Township Manager in 2006. Throughout his time with the department he elected to further his education and training by attending specialized law enforcement and township management seminars. The job always had its ups and downs, but throughout the years Craig was blessed to assist the community in numerous different ways. Craig was a member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Saginaw County Association of Chiefs of Police, Central Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Fordney Club of Saginaw County, Carrollton Township Representative for the Northwest Utility Authority. Fraternal Order of Eagles #3465, Grayling Moose Lodge #1162, Knights of Columbus, and 100 Club of Saginaw County. On November 22, 2021 in Bay City, MI Craig married his longtime loving companion of 15 years, Cheryl Ann (Nelson) Valentine, and she survives him. He was an avid golfer, gardener, and meticulous yard mower. Craig always enjoyed playing and watching sports; especially football, baseball, and golf. One of Craig’s favorite places to get away with family and friends was at his cottage at Higgins Lake; he was well known for his barbequing skills and always loved a good steak on the grill. He had a strong interest and beliefs in politics; always educating himself to know where he would stand on a topic. Everyone will remember Craig’s organizations skills; from his tool placement in the garage to his office at work to the refrigerator at his house. Everything had to be perfect. Craig is looking down on family and friends with a good cold Bud Light and a lucky Keno ticket.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Cheryl Ann (Nelson-Valentine) Oatten; children, Stephanie (Kris) Copeman, Steven (Bethany) Oatten, Matthew Oatten, and Ashton Keel; two grandchildren, Kendall Copeman and Kinsley Oatten; mother, Shirley Jean Oatten; brother, Charles “Chuck” (Debb) Oatten; sister-in-law, Brenda Leland; aunt, Nancy Frost; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends, and colleagues. Craig is happily reunited with his father, Robert Lyle Oatten; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Nelson; and several aunts and uncles.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. Saginaw, MI 48603 (Between McCarty and Shattuck Rds.). Officiating will be Chaplain Don Killey. Visitation will take place at The Snow Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Committal Prayers and Interment will take place at the Oak Ridge Cemetery on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the “Wishes of the Family”, in care of Cheryl Ann Oatten. Contributions will be given back to the community at the family’s discretion. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net