John Craig
April 14, 2013
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
Sandy O'Brien
04/19/2013
I have treasured memories of working with John at Garton School. He was conscientious and caring. John would always go above and beyond his responsibilities for our kids and teachers. I will be forever grateful for all the help John gave me.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy O'Brien
Bill Fleischacker
04/17/2013
Roger, Mrs. Craig (Doris) and rest of family- sorry to hear about your loss. I have a great memories of the grade school days and beyond of your father and rest of the family. Will keep you all in my prayers. Take care.
Leota M. Lipovac
04/16/2013
Rocky,
I was so sorry to learn of your father's death. I truly feel your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Andrea Wright
04/16/2013
Dean -so sorry for your loss.
Carrie Voorhees
04/16/2013
Dear Mary Kay:
Praying that God will comfort and sustain you and provide you peace as you grieve the death of your father.
Curt & Kaylene Peterson family
04/16/2013
Doris & family we were so sorry to hear of John's passing what a nice man he was. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers as we know how very hard this is for all of you. God Bless Curt,Kaylene & girls
Cindy and Steve
04/15/2013
Mary Kay, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family--though we did not know your father, he must have been a wonderful man to have raised someone as kind, generous and loving as you.
Teresa (Mahoney) Graham
04/15/2013
Dear Craig Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Teresa & Family
Steve and Laurie Bartle
04/15/2013
Dear Doris and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for you and your family.
May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Thinking of you,
Steve and Laurie Bartle (Beth's Sister)