THOMAS, Craig Leon 1958-2008
THOMAS, GRAPP, ERNE, KREGER, FRAZER, BOCHMAN, GOEKE, THOMPSON, STOREY
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/30/2014 at 00:10:11
Craig Leon Thomas was born August 5, 1958 at Keosauqua Memorial Hospital, Van Buren Co. Iowa, the son of Donald O. and Marylyn Jane Thomas living near Stockport IA.
At the age of 2 the family moved to Cedar Falls IA. Craig attended Lincoln Elementary and Cedar Falls High School graduating with the class of 1976. He had worked in the food industry his entire life starting at Kings Food Host Restaurant and then in 1975 became employed by Eagle Foods grocery store. When they closed and left the area he went to work for Martin Bros. Distributing Co. until the present time.
It was when he was working at Eagles that he met his wife to be Marie Grapp. They were married October 27, 1984 in Cedar Falls. Their only child Tyler was born March 15, 1993. In 1999 Craig was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which later caused pulmonary fibrosis of the lungs. In 2004 he was placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. His one chance for an extension of life came on January 5, 2008 and he underwent successful surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, but due to several complications he went to be with our Lord on March 11, 2008.
His survivors are his dear wife Marie and son Tyler of Waterloo; his mother M. Jane Thomas of Cedar Falls; three sisters: Connie Erne, Cedar Falls, Cherie Kreger, Jesup, and Cindie Frazer, Waterloo. Also nieces Angie Wilson U.S. Navy just returned from Iraq, Aimee Erne of Cedar Falls, Janel Thomas of Waterloo and Jill Kreger (Tim) Henry of Tuscan, Arizona. Two nephews, Chris Frazer of Iowa City and David Kreger of Cedar Falls; and great nephew, Sean T. Taylor U. S. Navy, Jacksonville, Florida. His extended family, Lyle and Darlene Grapp Maries parents of Waterloo Iowa Maries; sisters Deb (Maynard) Bochman of Allison, IA, Diane Goeke Chicago, IL., Darla (Gene) Thompson of Waterloo and Marlee (Jerry) Storey of Waterloo, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Thomas in 1979, his uncles Forrest Thomas, Vaughn Thomas, Don E. Moore, and his aunt Janet Kistler and grandparents Barney and Mable Moore (Lange), and Clarence and Winnie Thomas.
Craig was known as an all around good guy and a very hard worker who strove for perfection. Before his illness he loved playing softball and was an avid fan of all sports especially watching the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed several games at Wrigley Field. Also a special passion was NASCAR and Sprint Car Racing and was a special friend of Wayne Johnson a driver at Knoxville IA. Raceway. Craig loved his family deeply and took great pride in watching his son Tyler competing in sports. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Craig was a Christian who loved and trusted in the Lord and said he was ready to go to his heavenly home. He had fought the good fight and had kept the faith and he knew Jesus was waiting to meet him. Craigs family wishes to thank all of their friends and relatives for their deep concern many prayers and monetary help given over these past two months. Your kindnesses will not be forgotten.
Funeral services for Craig will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday March 18 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with burial in Greenwood Cemetery Cedar Falls. Public visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway and continue for one hour before services at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.
[Source: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service]
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