Craig William McDonald

Craig William McDonald, 77, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with his family at his side.

Born on April 28, 1948, to Lessue "Mack" and Velma McDonald, Craig grew up in Big Rapids and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1966. On February 14, 1970, he married Linda Lee Mosher, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage until her passing in 2008. Later, Craig was blessed to find love again with Candy Rau-Fogelberg, who survives him. They were married on August 23, 2014, and enjoyed visiting with family doing puzzles together, and making bird houses. He especially enjoyed his furry companion Boy Boy.

Craig was a lifelong auto mechanic and classic car enthusiast. His passion for engines began early, starting his working years at Currie’s Towing while still in high school. Over the decades, he worked for several businesses as a mechanic and proudly owned and operated his own garage for many years. He later finished his professional career at the Big Rapids City Garage, though he never truly stepped away from the joy of tinkering under the hood.

Along with his first wife, Linda, Craig was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Marjorie Bobowick and Rosemary Rau. He joins in heaven his sister, Corrine Andrews; and a recently found son, Steve Dykman, whom he never had the chance to meet here on earth.

He is survived by his wife, Candy; his children, Troy (April) McDonald and Brooke (John) Iltis; his stepson and loyal “driver,” Jason (Mandi) Fogelberg; and his stepdaughter, Joni Hajek . He is also survived by his brother, Dan (Julie) McDonald, and brother and sister in laws; Jerry, Jan, Deb, and Allen.

Craig also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren who always called him “Papa”: Nicole (Justin), Devin (Ilyna), Samantha (Tim), Mariah (Josh), Devan (Eli), Megan (Gage), Haleigh (Jack), Leah (Tate), Greenlee, Chandler, Daniel, Alex, Taylor (Justice), Steven, Emily (Joe), Jennifer, and Nicole. He is further survived by many great‑grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Along with his family, Craig will be especially missed by his buddy Dave and special nephew Brian, and so many more friends who felt like family to him.

Craig will be remembered for his steady hands, generous spirit, and the countless people he helped through his mechanical know‑how and willingness to lend a hand. His garage was his sanctuary, and his love for classic cars and NASCAR never faded. His presence, humor, and heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 30, with visitation for family and friends from 12:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. The funeral service will be livestream and can be found on Craig’s obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. A celebration of life and a graveside service will be held in Big Rapids in the spring. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com