Sweet, Craig Eugene

Craig Eugene Sweet, 85, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A funeral service, with military honors provided by the National Guard, will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with a graveside service immediately following.

Craig is survived by his wife, Barbara Jo Sweet; daughters, Christine Hulfish of Granada Hills, Calif., Cynthia Egger and husband Steven of Central City, Linda Ross, Debra Luerkens and husband Cam and Candace DeCamp and husband Frank, all of Cedar Rapids; son, Gary Sweet and wife Shelley of Cedar Rapids; stepson, Stephen Bonney and wife Melissa; stepdaughter, Amy Cejka; grandchildren, Zach Sweet, Amber Sisler, Todd Hulfish, Tracy Helland, Sara Reasner, Brent Egger, Jade Hronik, Jason Sweet, Travis Sweet, Chelsea Sweet, Lindsey Sweet, Martin DeCamp, Austin DeCamp, Jeremy Luerkens, Nicholas Luerkens, and McKenzie Luerkens; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Loretta; son, Dennis Sweet; son-in-law, Jim Hulfish; and great-grandson, Kingston.

A lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, Craig was born March 27, 1926, to Carroll Alden and Mary Josephine (King) Sweet. He was a member of the U.S. Navy and served our country in World War II. On Oct. 17, 1949, he married his first wife, Loretta L. Sweet, who passed away Jan. 10, 1991. On Sept. 12, 1999, he married Barbara Jo McKim in Cedar Rapids.

Craig worked as a self-employed contractor during his life and built his children's homes.

Craig was an active member of the 40 & 8 Voiture 1305. He was also very active with Habitat for Humanity. Craig was a past president of the Regis Club, starting the bingofundraising. He was also active in starting the girl's basketball program at Regis High School and was a recipient of the “Thinnes” award.

Craig loved to play cards, take fishing trips to Canada, and never met a stranger. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. But most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

Donations can be made in his name to the 40 & 8 Voiture 1305, in care of Dennis Hrabak, 1731 Hamilton St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published Feb. 11, 2012 in The Gazette