Craig Kent Preisendorf, 72, of Jefferson, died Friday, April 25th following a sudden heart attack.

He was born in Los Angeles to Samuel "Doc" and Mildred Frances (Dove) Preisendorf. His family moved to Castro Valley, CA where he attended Castro Valley High School. He graduated from San Francisco State University, eventually receiving his Master's degree in school administration.

Craig taught industrial arts classes at high schools in Castro Valley and Fremont and was most proud of coaching football and wrestling for 32 years. He considered his students his "kids", and to this day they still address him as "coach". Many of his wrestlers achieved championship status at the regional and state levels, and a few, including his son, Darin, were National champions.

In 2000, Craig reconnected with his high school sweetheart Lois, at their 40 year high school reunion. They rekindled their relationship and were married in 2008, almost exactly 50 years after they first met.

Craig loved fishing and hunting, traveling, entertaining, cooking, movies, theater, building and repairing things. Collecting wine was one of his passions.

He is survived by his wife Lois (Jaffe) Hall Preisendorf, his brother Mark and wife Debora, sons; Aric and wife Karen, Daren and wife Marifi; six grandchildren; and step daughters Jennifer Gillette and Robin Schauer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be hosted at his home in Jefferson on Saturday, May 3, between 2 and 5 p.m.