LEE, Craig Thorley Martin 1950-2016

LEE, THRELFALL, SIRES, SCHNEIDER

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 8/18/2016 at 19:26:13

Obituary for Craig Lee

Craig Lee age 65 of Lawler, Iowa died Sunday, January 24, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.



Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Harvest Church in New Hampton with Pastor Doug Harvey officiating.

Friends may greet the family from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Craig Thorley Martin Lee was born August 16, 1950, in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Clyde and Irene (Threlfall) Lee. He graduated from Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa in 1968, where he participated in band, choir and the debate team. Craig continued his education at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse earning a bachelor degree in Biology and History.

In August of 1972, Craig enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed his basic training in California and was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota, where he was a navigator on B-52 Bombers.

Craig was united in marriage to Karen Sires on July 30, 1971, in New Albin, Iowa. To this union three daughters, Errin, Heather and Stephanie were born. The couple later divorced.

Craig was very tech savvy and owned his own computer business. He met Diane Schneider and was married on August 28, 1992, in La Crosse, WI. Craig heard the call to ministry and attended the Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA. He graduated with a Masters degree in Divinity on December 15, 1994. His first call was to a Yoked Parish in Green Valley, Illinois. He served as pastor for six years. Then Craig felt called to the First Presbyterian Church in Alta, Iowa where he spent his next thirteen years. Craig was honorably retired from the ministry on July 1, 2015 because of serious health reasons. The couple moved to Lawler Iowa in June 2014.

Craig enjoyed photography, hiking, fishing, collecting coins & trains and woodworking. Craig and Diane enjoyed vacationing together including cruises. Craig cherished time spent with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Craig is survived by his wife of 23 years, Diane; three daughters, Errin (Brad) Wilker of Castalia, Iowa, Heather Lenz of New Albin, Iowa, Stephanie (Chris) Ahles of New Albin, Iowa; five grandchildren, Aubrie Lenz, Bretton Wilker, Ashton Lenz, Brandon Wilker, and Evan Lenz; two sisters, Ann (Roy) Howard of Brailsford, England, Victoria Lee of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Source: Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home