In Remembrance Of

Craig Scheidecker

Craig Raymond Scheidecker, 66, of Smithville, MO unexpectantly passed away November 7, 2022.

He was born on February 8, 1956, to Robert and Annabel (Jones) Scheidecker in Sandwich, Illinois and graduated from Milan High School in Milan, Missouri. Craig was an avid cattleman, helping with the family’s ranch. He won several awards showing cattle throughout the country. 

Craig attended University of Missouri in Columbia where he received his degree in agriculture education and was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. He then received his masters degree in agricultural economics from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville where he met his wife Elaine Bredberg, and they were married on May 22, 1982. 

In 1986, Craig and Elaine moved to Kansas City, MO where Craig attended seminary. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his masters of divinity in May, 1989. For the past 40 years, Craig has served the Lord in various chaplain roles working for several prisons, hospice groups, and hospitals in the area. He devoted his life to helping others and spreading God’s word to people who were going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. 

He was an avid Missouri Tiger fan and loved watching his sons play sports. Craig enjoyed volunteering in the community, playing table tennis, spending time outdoors, growing plants, riding motorcycle and ATV’s, and most of all spending time with his family. 

Craig was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Annabel Scheidecker.

He is survived by his wife Elaine Scheidecker; sons Luke Scheidecker and John Paul Scheidecker; grandchildren Cade and Brynn; brother Dana (Cherri) Scheidecker; brother in law Marlen Bredberg; sister in law Kris (Jeff) Williams; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

 Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 11th at Mt. Olivet Christian Church, Smithville, MO

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 12th at Mt. Olivet Christian Church, 13120 Mt. Olivet Rd Smithville, MO 64089.

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville

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Comments & condolences

16 comments

  • Tom Dearing

    Sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. He was a member of our 1974 high school graduating class. Our sincere condolences to his friends and families.

  • Steven D. Henry

    I am so sorry to read of the passing of Craig Scheidecker. I knew Craig when he and I were students attending Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Bethany Medical Center (now closed) in Kansas City, Kansas, in about 1988. I admired Craig during our CPE training, and I fondly recall what a sharp dresser he was — always with very colorful and tasteful socks! Even during his CPE training, it was apparent that Craig had “the right stuff” for providing empathy and spiritual care to others. Craig’s passing is truly a loss, and Craig’s family has my warmest condolences.

  • Sherri Robinson

    Craig was a fine man. He was always there to help and comfort those in need. He will be greatly missed. The family has my sympathy. Sincerely, Sherri Robinson

  • Mary and Don Benson

    Our condolences to Craig’s wife and sons and grandchildren. Both of us have worked with Craig in Spiritual Care at St Joseph Medical Center. Don is currently a volunteer chaplain who worked closely with Craig. Mary worked in the Spiritual Care office pre Covid. We are saddened to learn that Craig will no longer be working with patients here, but we trust he is resting in the ARMS OF HIS LORD.

  • Ashley Moser

    Think of all of you during this difficult time.
    Ashley Moser

  • LaDonna Rossander

    So sorry of your loss Our thoughts and prayers are with you. In Christs Love

  • Lisa Barber

    Craig was a true servant, spending his life uplifting people. Our Lord welcomed him with joy. Wrapping love around his wonderful family.

  • Amy Boynton

    Craig was there for my family with prayers and love every time we needed him. Elaine and Craig have raised two amazing boys that give their whole hearts to everything they do. My God Bless all of you and comfort you ♥️

  • You will be missed ….. Prayers to your family

  • Angela Milliren

    My day could not get started without seeing Chaplain Craig every morning. He was such a kind soul, who made everyones day a little brighter! Thank you for sharing him with us. He is missed to the core! Praying for his family!

  • Shauna & Tony Martinez

    Dear Elaine & Family,
    We are heartbroken for the loss of your husband, Father & grandfather and other close relatives and friends!
    His ministry was one attribute he was so well known for and he brought blessings to many! May God surround you with his Holy Comforter during this difficult time!
    Sincerely, Shauna & Tony Martinez

  • Jim & Marcy Nelson

    Craig had a big heart for people. He was God’s faithful servant. Your family is in our prays.

  • John and Lisa Sunberg

    We’re both sorry for your loss yet celebrating his change of address. He was a wonderful man, we always enjoyed visiting with him when you guys came to Red Oak. May God’s love comfort and strengthen you all.

  • Bonnie Riley

    I was so sad in hearing your sudden passing. I remember visiting the Sandwich Fair, with you and Dana bowing your cattle. It was the highlight of my day! God bless to Elaine and the boys.

  • Teresa Schneider

    What a lovely soul. He is going to be dearly missed. I hope that his family can find comfort in remembering all of the good he did and the knowledge that they will one day be reunited.

  • Chaplain Kelly Hansen

    Elaine and family, I’m so sorry for the unexpected and traumatic loss of your husband, dad, grandpa, and warm man of faith that Craig was to all of us who shared time working with him. His legacy is strong within the community of faith and his mark as a chaplain and dedicated servant has been made. I pray comfort and peace in the midst of your grief and loss.

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