Craig Beins
April 18, 1943 - June 14, 2026
Obituary
Craig A. Beins, age 83, of Bridgeport, Michigan, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw.
He was born April 18, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, son of William and Gladys Beins. Craig was a 1961 graduate of Toledo Catholic Central High School and served three years in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division.
Craig earned an associate’s degree from Delta College, a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.
He came to Saginaw in 1967 as a salesman for Burnham-Stoepoel. He joined the Saginaw Police department in 1969, working as a patrolman, sergeant and lieutenant until 1991. He was the first commander of the department’s Emergency Services Response Team, serving seven years.
After his retirement there, he worked 10 years as director of Delta College’s Criminal Justice Training Center and Police Academy.
A long-time licensed pilot, he volunteered for the Saginaw County Sheriff Department’s Aviation Division from 1984, serving as lieutenant for 32 years. He joined the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary in 2023 and was made staff sergeant in October 2024. Craig also shared his love of flying by participating as a mentor in STEM Flights for high school students interested in an aviation career.
He married Darlene Damp on December 17, 1983, in Saginaw. He was predeceased by his son, Brian.
He is survived by his wife; children, Craig (Patricia) Beins Jr., Brenda Burger, Kimberly (Darryl) Eaves, and Ericka (Jayme) Myre; daughter-in-law, Denise Beins; eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren; siblings, Mary Alice, Barney (Linda) Beins, and Delores (Kelly) Carew; and beloved niece, Erin Pappas.
A private family memorial will be held later.
Those wishing to honor Craig may make a donation to the Aleda E. Lutz Medical Center’s Palliative and Hospice Care Unit.
Craig will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in the summer/fall of 2026.
For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services, 989-755-8277. For online condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.