Craig W. Albrightson

Craig Wesley Albrightson, age 56, of Woodville, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at his home following a hard-fought battle with stomach cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Craig battled a rare form of stomach cancer for more than a year, facing each challenge with remarkable strength and positivity. His ability to remain hopeful throughout his journey was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was deeply grateful for the compassionate nurses, doctors, and surgeons at Mayo Clinic in Rochester who cared for him. Craig also cherished the many family members and friends who visited him, bringing comfort and joy during his hospital stays.

Born on December 4, 1969, to Keith and Judy (Peterson) Albrightson, Craig was raised in Woodville where he grew up alongside his older siblings Mike and Caryn. He graduated high school from Baldwin-Woodville in 1988 and continued his education at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, where he earned an Associate Degree in Civil Technology and Land Surveying.

Craig took his education and strong work ethic into the construction industry throughout Minnesota before returning to the family business, Albrightson Excavating. Thus, following in the footsteps of his dad and grandfather Alf who founded the company in 1956. Keith gave Craig not only the opportunity to be part of the family business, but also the foundation and guidance that helped shape the man he became.

Craig had a natural way of connecting with people and making them feel valued. While much of his time at work was spent estimating and managing projects, it was the relationships he built along the way that meant the most. He earned the trust and respect of customers, contractors, and many others in the industry, forming friendships that lasted well beyond a project or job. Alongside his brother Mike, Craig's hard work, knowledge, and dedication helped carry on the legacy their dad had started by growing Albrightson Excavating into the respected company it is today.

On October 19, 1996, Craig married the love of his life, Kelly Zignego, beginning a beautiful marriage rooted in love and family. Their family was at the heart of everything they did as they raised their four children: Thomas, Allison, Bailey, and Brooke. Life was always an adventure with the kids traveling around to all their sporting events, persuading them to help with yard work around the house, and planning family vacations using his favorite spreadsheets. Craig was excited to see Thomas begin the next chapter of his life with wife Aubree, whom he had come to love like a daughter. Although Craig passed away just days before their wedding, his love and support for Thomas and Aubree will forever be a part of their special day. The love Craig and Kelly shared was truly something special-deep, unwavering, and the kind of love that seemed straight out of a movie. Craig often told Kelly that they had a "special love story," a simple phrase that captured the extraordinary bond they shared and the beautiful life and family they built together.

Craig will remain in the hearts of his wife, Kelly; his children, Thomas (Aubree) Albrightson, Allison Albrightson, Bailey Albrightson, and Brooke Albrightson; his parents, Keith and Judy Albrightson; his siblings, Mike (Amy) Albrightson and Caryn Snodgrass; his parents-in-law, Jack and Lucille Zignego; and his siblings-in-law, Kathy (Dave) Lindevig, Rusty (Julie) Zignego, Kristy (Bob) Kroening, and Jeff (Tina) Zignego. He is further survived by extended family, friends, coworkers, and the many people whose lives crossed paths with Craig throughout his 56 years.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elaine "Bing" Hendrickson, Alf and Nora Albrightson, and brother-in-law Scott Snodgrass.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., also at Zion Lutheran Church. There will be an additional visitation one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery in Woodville. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family.

The Mayo Clinic was a tremendous source of support and compassion for Craig and his family throughout his journey. In gratitude for the care they provided the family, they invites you to consider making a donation in Craig's name to Mayo Clinic stomach cancer research. To do so, dedicate the donation in memory of Craig and designate it towards stomach cancer research through this link: Donation to Mayo Clinic Stomach Cancer Research

Funeral services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Homes. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-778-5501.