Craft, Richard Eugene

Richard Eugene Craft, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, at his home after a short illness. Services: 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Teahen Funeral Home by the Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: Shiloh Cemetery, Hiawatha. Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and again after 9 a.m. Thursday at Teahen Funeral Home. Military honors will be presented by American Legion Post No. 727.

Rick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna; daughter, Kim (Tim) Sieck of Urbana; two sons from a previous marriage, Jerry Craft of California, and Jeff Craft of Cedar Rapids; two grandsons, Curtis and Travis Sieck of Urbana; his loyal and loving dog, Oscar; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Pat (Dennis) Everts and Bev Moriarty (John O'Donnell), all of Cedar Rapids; and brothers-in-law, Donald Adams, Robert Adams and Rick (Patti) Adams, all of Cedar Rapids.

His parents, Clarence and Hazel Craft; brother, Orlando “Bud” (Edmee) Craft; and sister, Helen (Dyke) Butler preceded, Richard in death.

Richard Eugene Craft was born March 27, 1925, in Cedar Rapids, son of Clarence and Hazel Hepner Craft. He was in the Army from 1943 to 1945, serving in World War II with the 85th Infantry, 329th Field Artillery BN Custer, a division in North Africa and Rome PO Valley, Italy.

Richard married Donna Adams on May 11, 1963, in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Stanwood High School and Cedar Rapids Business School. He worked in sales for Montgomery Ward, Iowa Electric, John Zachar Real Estate and Fred Gibson Real Estate. Richard was a member of Cedar Rapids Boat Club, VFW and American Legion. He volunteered at St. Luke's and Mercy hospitals for over 15 years.

Rick enjoyed music, performing in the marching band in high school and played base guitar in different bands, boating, camping, woodworking, home remodeling, renovating boat houses and sharing his memories from childhood and World War II. He loved his times spent with family and friends at the Ellis Boat Harbor and playing with his loving dog, Oscar.

Memorials may be directed to Iowa Hospice.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to everyone who took care of Rick and supported the family over the past month. A special thank you to the people at Mercy Hospital, Special K's Transport, West Ridge Care Center, HomeChoice Senior Care and Iowa Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at .