Craig Michael DeFriez

Our hearts are broken by the unexpected loss of Craig Michael DeFriez. He was a loving Husband, a devoted Father and Father in law, a caring Grandfather, a fun loving and protective older Brother, an obedient, loving son, a kind, generous Uncle, a warm hearted Nephew and loyal Friend.

Craig was the first born to Joyce and Bryce DeFriez -in Provo, Utah. He grew up in Vallejo, California- China Lake, California -Newfoundland, Canada- Oahu, Hawaii and Carmichael, California where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Duesseldorf, Germany. When he returned home he dated and married Adrienne B. Eaker - December 18, 1976. He attended Sacramento State University for 3 years before completing his Bachelors in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Structural Engineering, at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He worked for Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation in Denver, Colorado for 8 years. Craig and Adrienne had 4 boys in their beautiful Aurora home - Carl, Brian, Mark and Scott DeFriez. In 1989 their family moved to Carson City, Nevada with a new job offer from the State of Nevada - as a structural engineer at the Public Works Board in Carson City. Craig designed and built two homes in Carson City where they raised their family. He also lost his dear wife Adrienne there, after a very long struggle with Multiple-Sclerosis.

Craig was a gifted musician vocally and also on the guitar, piano and keyboard. He arranged and produced CD's that he shared with his family. He was writing songs as early as 14 years of age. He taught himself how to play the guitar and played the piano by ear. Anytime, listening to Craig sing and play the guitar was time well spent and those memories will stay with each of us throughout the eternities.

Craig was fortunate in life to find love a second time with Carol Leavitt Hendershot. They were married on June 22, 2018 and built a lovely home in Eagle, Idaho - where they enjoyed walking and biking daily. Craig and Carol had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, travel to many places making fun memories in their short time together. Craig passed away on December 31, 2021 in Eagle, Idaho from a heart attack - after fighting fiercely for 24 hours before he was called home. His earthly presence will be painfully missed. There is however, no doubt that his heavenly presence and strong spirit is with us now, to guide, protect, watch over and be with each of us, always.


Craig is proceeded in death by his wife of 39 years, Adrienne B. Eaker DeFriez, his parents Joyce and Bryce DeFriez and his niece Katie Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife Carol A. Leavitt Hendershot DeFriez, his brother Curtis and (Vener) DeFriez, his sisters; Jolene and (Paul) Phipps, Lorie Serafin, and Michelle and (Dennis) Hamilton.

He is also survived by his sons; Carl and (Jordyn) DeFriez, Brian and (Chelsea) DeFriez, Mark and (Brittney) DeFriez and Scott DeFriez.

He is also survived by his step children; Kemish and Kristine Hendershot and Kirsten and Jordan Hansen.

His surviving grandchildren include; Dylan, Ella, Aaron, Brandon, Nathan, Peyton, Elizabeth, Thatcher, Savannah, Sam, and Teddy DeFriez, Tucker, Zac, and Hazel Hansen and Kaleb, Joshua, Katie, and Elizabeth Hendershot and many loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

The funeral service for Craig Michael DeFriez, will be Monday January 10th at 11am
Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 North Latah, Boise, Idaho 83706

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