John Craig

April 14, 2013

Service Details

John S. Craig, age 88, went to be with our Lord Sunday April 14, 2013, at his home with family at his side, in Ankeny.

John was born in Hiteman, IA, and later moved to the family farm in Georgetown, Iowa. John graduated from St. Patrick’s School, the “Cathedral in the Wilderness,” in 1943. He proudly served his country in the Korean War for the US Army. Upon return from the service he married the love of his life, Doris Kosman. They recently celebrated 60 years of happy marriage. John was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, and worked for the Des Moines Public School Systems for 29 years as a custodial engineer.

Johnny learned to appreciate the farm life from an early age, and the value of hard work. He would often reminisce about the “good ole days” of riding horses over four miles to school with his sister each day.

He always had a love for children and was always eager to coach. John coached numerous baseball and softball teams in the Des Moines area, including Highland Park Little League and Visitation Parochial baseball and softball.

John is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Roger (Connie) of Ankeny, Randy (Kathy) of St. Charles, Steve (Janet) of Indianola, Mark (Cindy) of Story City, Gary of Story City, Dean (Laura) of Swedesburg, Mary Kay DeBolt (David) of Ankeny, Ray (Beth) of North Liberty, Vicki Nicholas (Doyle) of Winterset, and Ron Lawrence of Pioneer, Ohio; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother, James (Cathy) of Bettendorf; sisters-in-law, Margie Craig of Newton, Marie Griffin of Albia, and Rita Lee of Knoxville; and brothers-in-law, Francis Kosman and Harold Kosman, both of Albia, and David Kosman of Weldon, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Anna (Comer) Craig; brothers, Leo and Joseph; sisters, Mary Adams and Cecilia Anne Kosman; and twin daughter, Mary Anne.

The family will greet family and friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, on Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, St Patrick’s Church in Georgetown, or to the family for a memorial to be made later.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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