Richard Craig Lonning

Richard Craig Lonning, 71, died unexpectedly of heart failure on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Mercy West Lakes Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue in Des Moines. There will be a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 6, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway at 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Craig was born on January 7, 1941, in Des Moines, to Orren and Lois Lonning. A lifelong Des Moines resident, he was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and Drake University. Craig grew up in the family clothing business, Frankel Clothing Company, and worked at Frankels after college graduation until its closing in 1986. He remained a clothier, first at Reichardts, then at Badowers and Mr. B until his retirement.

Craig lost his leg to cancer at the age of 16 when he was a junior in high school. He defied all odds in his recovery, and his survival is documented in medical texts. The loss of his leg never held him back from leading an active life. Golf was one of his great passions, and he found immense joy in countless hours spent on the greens with dear friends and family. He was a fiercely devoted sports fan, always loyal to the Drake Bulldogs, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Chicago Cubs. He spoke daily with loved ones near and far about sporting events, analyzing and rehashing details of closely followed games. He was involved in community work of various kinds over the years, his most recent work centering on the Iowa Amputee Golf Association and the Central Iowa Amputee Support Group.

Craig lived for his family and friends, loving and cherishing them all deeply and showing his steadfast devotion in countless ways. They revere his memory and will forever miss him and hold him close in their hearts. Survivors include his wife, Judy, and their five children and seven grandchildren: daughter Lisa Royal and son-in-law Jeff Royal of Adel; daughter Kelly Lonning and grandsons Zane and Ian of Redding, CT; daughter Jane Faber, son-in-law Kelly Faber, and grandson Miles of Madison, WI; son Brad Lonning, daughter-in-law Julie Lonning, and grandchildren Quinn and Orin of Chaska, MN; and son Mark Lonning, daughter-in-law Roberta, and grandchildren Isabella and Matheus of San Francisco, CA. Craig is also survived by his sister Pam Stone with whom he shared a special bond, his brother-in-law John Stone, his sister-in-law Vicki Place, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kerry and Marilyn Jacobson, many nieces and nephews, cousins including Janet and Don Metcalf, and his beloved Welsh Corgi Wrigley. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Amputee Golf Association, c/o Matt Nedved, 2317 Burr Oaks Drive, Asbury, IA 52002.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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