Craig Heupel

Craig Heupel passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his residence in Fargo, ND under the care of hospice and his devoted wife Pam after a courageous cancer battle.

Craig Dixon Heupel was born May 15, 1955, in Eureka, SD, the second of three children born to Royal and Marcella Heupel. If you knew Craig, then you knew he was from Eureka and proud of his German-Russian heritage. When Craig was in middle school, his family moved to West Fargo, ND. It is there that Craig would meet the love of his life, Pamela (Pam) Blilie. As he would fondly recall, he “won” Pam in a cakewalk in the seventh grade. During his junior year of high school, Craig and his family moved to Osseo, MN. In 1973, Craig graduated from Osseo High School; however, he was such an enduring presence at West Fargo High School that many of his former classmates believed he graduated as a Packer with them and invited him to all the high school reunions.

Following high school graduation, Craig attended Anoka Technical College in Anoka, MN, where he earned a certificate in auto parts, beginning Craig’s career in the automotive industry. He worked his way up through car dealership management, holding various roles as parts manager, service manager, general manager, and operating partner before starting his own business in automotive aftermarket products.

While Craig was passionate about cars, his biggest and proudest accomplishment was his family. He married Pam in 1974 and then went on to celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss, partners in love and life. They welcomed triplets in July of 1978 when Carly, Kit, and Chip arrived 10 weeks early. Craig had four grandchildren, Jacob and Emma Heupel, and Amelia and Oscar Gaddie. Craig was a supportive grandpa, driving the grandkids to early school rehearsals, attending their various activities while waving from the audience, and helping teach them not only how to drive but also about the importance of a clean car when the older ones became licensed drivers. During the pandemic, Craig added his beloved dog Elliott to the family, and the two became inseparable.

When asked about his hobbies or interests, Craig would simply reply, “I have my family. My family is my hobby.” He enjoyed family time at Toad Lake fishing and pulling anyone on the tube for an assuredly wild ride. Craig and Pam were fortunate to travel together throughout their marriage, and Craig, ever the extrovert, loved meeting new people and hearing their stories, be it on an airplane, the beach, in a cab, and everywhere in between.

Craig is survived by his wife Pam; children Carly Gaddie, Kit Heupel, and Chip Heupel; and grandchildren Jacob and Emma Heupel, and Amelia and Oscar Gaddie, all of Fargo; as well as his sister Debbie Brudvig and brother Ross Heupel.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Marcella Heupel.

Memorials may be made to the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation Critical Needs Fund and/or the Great Plains Food Bank.