Craig Colberg

The family of Craig S. Colberg, M.D., of Windsor, CO, is sad to announce
his death on August 21 st , just two days shy of his 70 th birthday.

Craig was born on August 23, 1951, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Lillian
and Warren Colberg. In one of those small-world coincidences, he and
his wife eventually discovered that they were born in the same hospital
and delivered by the same physician.

In 1969 he graduated from Milbank High School, where he was on the
varsity football and wresting teams. He was active in vocal music, was a
member of the National Honor Society, and represented his school at
Boys’ State and All-State Chorus.

After high school graduation, his pursuit of higher education first took
him to the South Dakota School of Mines. However, the sudden death of
his father motivated him to transfer to the University of South Dakota
where he changed his focus from engineering to pre-med. He received
his B.S. degree in biology in 1973 and was a member of the USD School
of Medicine’s charter graduation class in 1977. After completing a one-
year residency program at Mercy Hospital in Denver, he returned to
South Dakota to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

He delivered thousands of babies during the course of his career and
was humbled and honored by the trust placed in him by his many
patients. His picture is most likely in hundreds of baby books as he
proudly holds a newborn he helped bring into the world. As much as he
loved his medical practice, he equally loved his role as an instructor for
third-year medical students and family practice residents, twice being
chosen as teacher of the year by his students and sharing the award a
third year.

Craig was a true Renaissance man with an incredible sense of adventure
and zest for life. He bought his first motorcycle when he was 16 and
owned at least one bike until his death. He was an expert skier on both
snow and water where his only speed was fast, and he delighted in the
spectacular crashes that were sometimes the result of this speed. He
also enjoyed scuba diving, woodworking, welding, photography,
hunting, and fishing, filleting fish with surgical precision. On a dare, he
even tried bull riding-once. He could fix his car, rewire a house, and repair the plumbing. He loved to go shopping, especially for tools, and
couldn’t pass up a good bargain, hence the huge assortment of shovels
hanging in his garage that caused one landscaper to gasp, “Just how
many holes can one man dig?” He also had a life-long passion for music.
Craig sang in many vocal groups, including the Greeley Chamber Choir,
the Faith United Church of Christ choir and its praise band, Leap of
Faith. However, he did not enjoy the years of piano lessons forced on
him by his well-meaning parents, once even requesting Ann Landers’
help to convince them to allow him to quit. Some of Craig’s favorite
volunteer commitments included working at the 9Health Fair and
serving on the Board of Directors for the Greeley Medical Clinic and his
neighborhood homeowners’ association.

He met his future wife, Denise, when they were performing at the Lewis
and Clark Playhouse in Yankton, South Dakota. They were married on
June 29, 1978, and recently celebrated their 43 rd wedding anniversary.
They were blessed with one daughter, Callie. Of all his accomplishments,
Craig was most proud to be “Daddy” to Callie. He taught her so many
essential life skills, like how to escape from under your overturned
canoe on the fast-running water of the Poudre River, how to do donuts
on the ice when you’re first learning how to drive, plus how to blow out
a pea when it’s stuck inside your nostril. He was thrilled to add the title
of “Grandpa” to his resume when his only grandchild, Adelaide, was
born.

He would probably be pretty perturbed by this lengthy obituary so
we’re begging forgiveness rather than asking permission, but it’s hard to
pay tribute to such an amazing man in just a few words. Those who
knew him best would describe him as a hard-working, smart, funny,
kind man of great integrity and strong Christian faith. The world has
truly lost one of the good guys.
Welcoming Craig into heaven are his father, Warren, and brother
Douglas, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He is survived
by his wife Denise, daughter Callie (Patrick) Dimagiba, and
granddaughter Adelaide, all of Windsor, CO, and his mother Lillian of
Milbank, South Dakota.

A man of science and life-long learning, Craig chose to donate his body
to the Sanford School of Medicine Body Donation Program at the
University of South Dakota for the purpose of medical education. For
anyone wanting to make a memorial contribution at this time in Craig’s
honor, the family respectfully asks that donors consider gifts in his
name to United Way of Weld County, Faith Church of Windsor,
Dementia Together, or a favorite charity of the donor’s choice sent in
care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry Street, Longmont, CO 80501.
Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure the safety of everyone in
attendance, a celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Craig’s family wishes to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Society Water
Valley, Good Samaritan Society Bonell Community, and Pathways
Hospice, as well as his personal health care team, for their
compassionate care.
To share memories and condolences, please visit
www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.