Craig L. Saunders (1954-2021)

SAUNDERS, GEARHART, GIAWE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/30/2021 at 14:05:18

Craig Lyle Saunders, 66, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence. He was born on October 21, 1954, in Manchester, the son of Lyle and Gayle (Gearhart) Saunders. Craig was raised and educated in the Manchester area and was a 1973 graduate of West Delaware High School. He then attended Iowa Automotive and Diesel Institute in Cedar Rapids.

On September 11, 1976, Craig was united in marriage to Brenda Glawe at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport. Two daughters were born to this union. Craig worked for Houlihan Ag and did construction work for Great Plains for several years. He worked as a material handler for over 30 years at Exide. Craig always farmed even when working his other jobs. The 12 acres of tillable land on their acreage was referred to as “his playground”. He farmed the land with his two-cylinder tractors and antique equipment.

Craig was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Manchester. He was a “fixer” who could repair just about anything. Craig restored many John Deere tractors and was always on the lookout for his next project. He loved his family and spending time with them. Camping at the Lazy T Campground brought him much social time and enjoyment.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Brenda Saunders of Manchester; his two daughters, April McIntire (friend, Sean McClay) of Aurora, Colorado and Sara (Mark) Reeder of Castle Rock, Colorado; three grandchildren, Caiden McIntire, Grayson Reeder, and Rocklyn Reeder; his father, Lyle Saunders of Manchester; and his six siblings. Krista (Denny) Meyer of Manchester, Kerri (Rick) Linderwell of Dundee, Scott (Sandy) Saunders of Marion, Kevin (Lisa) Saunders of Winthrop, Kenda (Art) Gourley of Earlville, and Karla (Gary) Francois of Manchester.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Gayle Saunders, and a brother-in-law, David Ager.