Craig “Aussie” Mahoney

Craig “Aussie” Mahoney – The man that never let truth get in the way of a good story

Born on September 18th, 1959 in Waratah, New South Wales, Australia, Craig grew into the kind of man who never left a room without making someone smile, laugh, or feel like a friend. He giggled through childhood with his brother and his favorite cousins, competed in surf lifesaving, rugby, as well as squash. His work as a welder fabricator took him across the world, often back and forth from Australia to places like Papua New Guinea, England, Canada, and the United States— where he eventually made his home for the last 34 years.

He could fix just about anything, though, if you asked him, the two things he couldn’t fix was the crack of dawn and a broken heart. But a life like his can’t be measured in metal or seams. If anything, he was better at bringing people together than anything he ever welded—bridging gaps, strengthening what was worn, and leaving things better than he found them.

He always seemed to have a joke ready (how he remembered them all, no one knows), and he never let truth get in the way of a good story. He believed, simply, in being humble and kind and that was him through and through. He was a fantastic husband, dad, and “evil” stepfather; Poppa (Aussie), son, brother, cousin, and friend; a proud godfather and uncle; a cribbage enthusiast and egg roll connoisseur; a swimmer, squash and racquetball player, golfer, and pool shark; a welder and fabricator; a jokester, gifter of flowers, sculptor, chauffeur, skull aficionado and mastermind behind the best secret destinations.

He leaves behind his wife, Conny; daughter, Jacy Mahoney Looser; (son-in-law, Roman); son, Josh Horsch; (daughter-in-law, Vanessa); and his 3 grandchildren Madison, Natalie, and Owen Horsch, brother, Graeme; (sister-in-law, Regina), niece, Hailey (and family); and nephew, Thomas —along with a long list of people who are better, or at the very least more entertained because they knew him.

If you’re looking for Craig, don’t bother with quiet places. You’ll find him in a well-timed joke, a random act of kindness, and in every story when you're waiting for a punchline.

His Celebration of Life will be held at The Wexford at Emerald Greens Golf Course (14425 Goodwin Ave, Hastings, MN 55033) on Monday May 18th 2pm-7pm— this will likely be less about mourning and more about telling stories, jokes and celebrating a life largely lived. We will have an open mic throughout the whole celebration for anyone to get up and speak and as well as a short service at 5pm. Come share those stories, and drink a margarita in his honor. Hawaiian shirts/print and tie-dye strongly encouraged, some may say required. That’s exactly how he would’ve wanted it.

In lieu of flowers or any donations, the family asks that you share your favorite stories, memories, jokes, and photos of Aussie by sending them to rememberingaussie@gmail.com and/or bringing to share day of. (If they’re all your favorite, send them all). These memories will be gathered into something lasting—a way to keep his stories alive for years to come. A Celebration of Life in Australia will be held at a later date—because one gathering simply isn’t enough for a life like his.

Aussie was one of a kind. He wouldn’t have said it himself, but everyone who knows him already does.

Note: For many, this may come as a shock, as it did for us too. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer back in September and the cancer spread too fast for chemo to keep up with by the time it was discovered. We are still forever thankful for the compassionate nurses, doctors, hospice care, but especially our kind neighbor and dear friend Dr. John Halla who has aided our family during this difficult process that has been our reality the last 8 months.

Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel