Local Sports Journal mourns the passing of one of its own, Craig Beilfuss

LocalSportsJournal.com

The Local Sports Journal staff of writers and photographers remains in deep shock over the sudden death of co-worker Craig Beilfuss.

Beilfuss, 63, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend at his home in Shelby.

Beilfuss joined the LSJ team in June, 2021 and made an instant impact on not only the website, but the monthly magazine, advertising sales and the day-to-day operations.

“From Day 1, Craig did exactly what he said he’d do,” LSJ publisher Jason Goorman said. “He first started selling ads for us, getting instant success. He brought new advertising customers our way and found new ways to promote the LSJ.”

His tireless effort was instrumental in not only keeping the day-to-day operations of the LSJ organized, but helped push the company into what it is today.

“In my 43 years in the workforce, I have never worked with anyone who was not only passionate about his work, but was one of the most organized,” said LSJ writer Ron Rop. “He worked 12-15 hours a day. He worked all hours of the day and night and snuck in a few hours of sleep here and there.”

Beilfuss came on board in June, 2021 when the LSJ needed it most.

“Craig was there to the rescue during a difficult transition for the LSJ,” Goorman said. “He told me not to worry and that he could carry the load and nurse it back to health. That is exactly what he did. Our monthly magazine continued because of Craig. He didn’t let us miss a single printed issue.”

Beilfuss worked tirelessly selling ads for the magazine as well as assigning coverage of high school events to writers and photographers. He also filled his van with magazines and delivered them throughout the area each and every month.

There will be a memorial service for Craig on Friday in Reed City at Pruitt-Livingston Funeral Home. Visitation is from 2-3 pm with a memorial service at 3 p.m.

One who loved promoting the success of area athletes, Beilfuss interviews Anthony Bradford for an article on the Big Red grad getting drafted into the National Football League. Photo/Leo Valdez

Beilfuss stands alongside current Ohio State Buckeye and former Muskegon Big Red standout, Cameron Martinez, during the Buckeye’s spring game. Photo/Leo Valdez