Craig Russell Boylan

Born on October 16, 1974, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Craig was a proud Northeast Minneapolis native whose life was defined by service, family, friendship, and an unforgettable sense of humor.

Craig graduated from Forest Lake High School and, at just 17 years old, began his military career by joining the Army Reserves before continuing his service with the Minnesota National Guard. Over the course of more than 27 years in uniform, Craig served his country with dedication and pride, retiring in January 2020 at the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). Among the most significant chapters of his military career was his deployment to Iraq with C Company, 134th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. Following his military retirement, Craig earned a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management from Capella University and most recently worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Craig had a lifelong passion for sports and was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of statistics, players, and teams. Whether attending Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, or Gopher games, discussing the latest matchup, or coaching his daughter on the basketball court, sports were one of the many ways he connected with others. He also loved video games, family road trips, annual hunting trips, and spending time in Minneapolis, a city that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Above all else, Craig cherished his family. He was proud of his daughters, Tyler and Teagan, and found great joy in being their father. Some of his happiest moments were spent playing on the living room floor, coaching basketball, exploring Minneapolis by bike, traveling together, and simply being present for the everyday moments that mattered most.

Craig will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, generosity, loyalty, and ability to make people laugh. He never hesitated to share a story, offer an opinion, buy a round of drinks, or lend a helping hand. His humor was unforgettable, his friendships were lasting, and his presence left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Boylan; his father-in-law, Onnie Tapio; and his grandparents, Leonard and Viola Boylan and Russell and Violet Cheney.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Boylan; daughters, Tyler Boylan and Teagan Boylan; mother, Sandra Boylan; brothers, John Boylan (Kim) and Leonard Boylan (Kelly); many nieces and nephews; extended family members; and countless friends, fellow service members, and colleagues.

Craig's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he built, the soldiers he served alongside, and the many lives he touched through his humor, generosity, and service.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Military Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN, Assembly Area #6.

A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the funeral service at CR's Sports Bar, 8525 Cottonwood Street NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

There will never be another Craig R. Boylan.