Craig Franchuk , 55 , passed away on August 10th, 2021, at his home in Minneapolis, MN. Craig was born on May 13th, 1966 and was immediately adopted by Joseph and Lillian Franchuk. He was raised in Bismarck, ND and attended Watcher Jr. High and Bismarck High School before receiving his GED from South Central High School in Bismarck.
During his teen years Craig was very involved in BMX racing. His one true love would become music and especially playing guitar. He was a self taught guitarist, in which being left handed was a feat in and of itself.
In the summer of 1984, Craig joined a group of beginning musicians and formed the band “Crusader”, which later became the band Katz. The band traveled throughout the upper mid-west and as far south as Nevada and Arizona, but was especially known in Bismarck-Mandan for their shop parties. The band released its first original LP in 1991. Katz became his life, and the Katz family (long time friend Rich Will, Jim Olheiser, Toby “Hutch” Kurry, Jim Rittel, Richard Rouse, Darby Ressler, and a list of others unfortunately too long to mention ) became his brothers.
Craig made a life change, after music, by starting a career in computer technology and IT work. He took a position with Arteck Corp / AMPF and moved to Los Angeles CA, later moving to Minneapolis MN. This job allowed him to travel to Japan, Belgium, India, and England.
Craig is survived by his father Joseph Franchuk, Bismarck, ND, his sister Cheryl Vranicar, Jacksonville, FL, his brother Chris (Sheila) Franchuk, Plato, MN, and his long time companion/forever friend Margo Bennett, Mandan, ND.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Franchuk, as well as his birth mother (who he finally met later in life in California). He is enjoying Rock and Roll Heaven with past band mates and friends Wes Schmidt, and Kevin Mahoney.
In Lieu of accepting memorial funds, the family would appreciate any contributions be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To do so, please click on the following link: http://www.afsp.org
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