Earl Dean Criger, Sr., 84

Earl Criger, a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully June 11, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on April 4, 1942, in Hillsboro, Kan., Earl's life was a tapestry woven with love, service and dedication.

The son of Earl David Criger and Betty Jean Sallee, Earl was blessed with a family that instilled in him the values of hard work and commitment. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Milton Criger and Ralph Fullen, Earl carried forward their legacy with honor and grace.

For over half a century, Earl shared his life with his devoted wife, Rosena Florence Frisbie Criger, whom he married May 3, 1969. Together, they raised two wonderful children — David (Dana) Criger of Zion, Ill.; Earl (Ruth) Criger Jr. of Kellogg, Idaho; and Wendy (Aaron) Reeves of Green Forest, Ark. Earl's love for his family was boundless, and he took immense pride in his role as a father and grandfather to his six grandchildren: Wendi Wuolle, Ariel Criger, Nita Rose (Joshua) Norton, Jonathan (Lensey) Joyner, Wesley and Hannah Criger. His joy only multiplied as he welcomed his great-grandchildren: Audrey Wuolle, Rileigh Wuolle, Marley Ross, Zoey and Zane Joyner — relishing in the promise of two more on the way.

Earl lived a life of service, both to his country and his community. Enlisting in the United States Navy in 1959, Earl served with distinction for 24 years, retiring at the esteemed rank of Senior Chief. His naval career included service aboard six vessels and participation in the Vietnam War, where his skills as a millwright were invaluable.

Following his military service, Earl continued to excel in his field, working as a millwright for Jim Kearns Construction across Idaho, Colorado and Oregon, before joining Tyson Foods as a Formax blender operator until his retirement in 2002. His dedication extended beyond his professional life; Earl was a lifetime member and commander of the VFW, a member of the Elks Lodge in Kellogg, Idaho, and the American Legion. His commitment to nurturing the next generation was evident in his role as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Earl was a man of many talents and passions. He was an avid bowler, found solace in nature through camping and fishing and had an enduring love for the ocean. A collector of model trains, he delighted in crafting expansive trainscapes that captivated family and friends alike. His gifted hands also worked wonders with wood, creating beautiful pieces cherished by those who received them.

Earl's legacy is one of love, kindness and unwavering dedication. His warmth and humor touched all who knew him, and his spirit will continue to guide those he leaves behind. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Rosena, his children and their spouses, his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brothers, John (Mary) Fullen of Illinois and Raymond (Karen) Fullen of Idaho, and sister-in-law Dorothy (Fred) Erickson of Pinehurst, Idaho.

A service to honor Earl's remarkable life will be scheduled at a later date, with inurnment to follow. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared in their sorrow and joy, and invites you to celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved.

Memories of Earl and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Criger family.