Thelma Marlea (Gay) Craig
April 4, 1958 ~ June 13, 2026

PORTAGE – Thelma was born on April 4, 1958, in Portage, to Bill and Jane Gay. She grew up in Briggsville, Wisconsin, and attended the Portage School District, graduating in 1976.

I first met Thelma in 8th grade and we became friends.  Then, in our mid-twenties, we started dating, fell in love, and she proposed to me at Otto’s Supper Club on September 4, 1984.  We were married twice; first at Durward’s Glen on May 11, 1985; the second on the beach, in Maui, on May 11, 2010.  We have three children, Jamie, Amyjane, and Brandon.  Four grandchildren, Zocial, Trennen, Chael, and Ciara, who are the light of her life.
Thelma had a very special love of music.  We attended over 200 concerts together, starting in high school.  She had a beautiful voice.
She loved going on adventures, so we traveled all over the state of Wisconsin and the country.  We had many special moments and laughs together.
Thelma’s favorite thing to do was either sit on our porch or go to Owen Park, where we would talk for hours.  Her other joy was shopping with her friends.  She had four very special friends, Ruth, Mary, Deb, and Rusty.
Thelma passed away at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Thelma was the love of my life.  I was given the gift of spending her life with her.  She was a classy lady, with a killer smile, and a very kind soul.  She was always full of life and will be greatly missed.  I can’t wait to be with her again.
Love Always and Forever,
Mitch

Thelma is survived by her devoted husband, Mitchel Craig; children, James (Pam) Alexander, Amyjane (Dustin Sweeney) Craig, and Brandon Craig; mother-in-law, Darlene Craig; grandchildren, Zocial Alexander, Trennen Craig, Chael Sweeney, and Ciara Craig; brothers, Gale Gay and Ralph (Lisa) Gay; other many beloved friends, family, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents, Wilmer “Bill” and Jane E. (Grant) Gay; and beloved father-in-law, Duane Craig.

A Celebration of Thelma’s Life will be on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the American Legion Post, in Briggsville, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Special thanks to Tom Drury for his kindness and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family, and they will set up a fund that will support Thelma’s numerous charitable endeavors.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.