Craig Bruce Nalepinski

Craig Bruce Nalepinski 1952-2025

Craig Bruce Nalepinski, age 73, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2025, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Fittingly, Craig was born on the same date—July 16, 1952—in South Bend, Indiana, to David and Edith Nalepinski.

He is survived by his wife of over 28 years, Andrea Nalepinski; his children, Katherine (Brandon) Hrdy of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Todd (Rebekah) Nalepinski of Pocahontas, Arkansas; and his stepsons, Randy Jones and Daniel (Gina) Jones, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Craig was a grandfather to Will (Madison) Nalepinski and Jonah Nalepinski, both of Pocahontas, Arkansas, and Henry and Harrison Philipp of Grand Junction, Colorado. He was also a step-grandfather to Abigail Jones of Fortuna, California, and Ezra Jones of Richland, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Edith Nalepinski; his grandparents, John and Monica Nalepinski and Charles and Pearl Leady; and his aunt, Alice Joann Nalepinski.

Craig was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and as a symbol of his faith and dedication he was baptized over 58 years ago—a faith that remained central throughout his life. He served the Pocahontas Congregation as an elder for decades, devoting his time to supporting fellow Witnesses and sharing Bible teachings.

Craig loved spending time in the garden, and his children fondly remember growing up surrounded by a fruit tree orchard, vegetable gardens, and colorful flower beds. In recent years, he continued this love by transforming his backyard each spring into a floral paradise for his wife Andrea, and he brought the same enthusiasm to his love of sports. He was an avid fan with a love of watching and playing baseball. He grew up near Chicago and supported the White Sox and the Bears, often attending games and Indy 500 races; however, above all other teams, he was an Arkansas Razorback fan. In addition, Craig’s witty, sarcastic sense of humor was one of his most defining traits. Even in hospice care, he was cracking jokes and bringing laughter to those around him—so much so that four nurses were in tears upon his passing, calling him one of their favorites.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 433 Country Club Road, Pocahontas, Arkansas.