Craig J. Downing
Craig J. Downing
Craig J. Downing
April 12, 1922 – September 12, 2023
Oskaloosa (Sigourney), Iowa | Age 101
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Craig J. Downing, age 101, of Oskaloosa passed away peacefully September, 12, 2023, at the Oskaloosa Care Center.
Born April 12, 1922, in Floris, Iowa, Craig was the last surviving son of the six sons and one daughter born to Ross and Nina (Noel) Downing.
Craig attended Cantril Public School and graduated from there in 1940.
Following school, he worked full time for Diffene’s Dairy in Niagara Falls, New York, with his brothers Harold and Bernard, who was the general manager.
A member of the World War II greatest generation, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1942 to become one of the elite. He was a paratrooper for the 5th Corps 26th Regiment Company G 3rd Platoon deployed to the South Pacific Theater- Guadalanal, Solomon Islands, Vella la Vella, and was part of the third wave of Marines to land on Iwo Jima in February 1945 as part of the invasion to regain the island. Once in Iwo Jima, he was field promoted to Sergeant before getting shot in the right shoulder. Due to his sacrifices for his country, Craig earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was reassigned to duty in Japan before his honorable discharge in November 1945.
After the war, Craig sought to further his education and matriculated to the University of Dubuque, graduating in 1949 with a degree in physical education and health.
Craig met his soulmate and sweet wife, Marian L. Steffens, at the University of Dubuque, and they were married August 22, 1948, in West Union, Iowa. They enjoyed a long and loving marriage of 62 years until Marian’s passing in 2010.
Craig began his teaching and coaching career in Luana where he coached the girls’ basketball team. He moved on to again teach and coach in Hubbard-Radcliffe. He advanced both teams to the state basketball tournament in 1950 and 1953. Many members of these two basketball teams remained in contact with him throughout the years, holding small team reunions to reminisce with and honor him, their endeared Coach Downing.
Craig earned his Master’s of Education degree in 1953 at the University of Iowa. In 1957 he left the field of education and became a salesman for the Walnut Grove Feed Company out of Decorah. Craig became the superintendent of schools in Coggon from 1963-1965, moved on to Forest City as superintendent from 1965-1973, and wrapped up his career as superintendent in Sigourney from 1973-1984.
In 1977 Craig received a call from President Jimmy Carter thanking him for his service and commitment to education. After his retirement, he ran for an Iowa State Senate seat twice, dabbled in real estate sales, and enjoyed teaching real estate re-licensure classes, which he fondly dubbed his “dog and pony show.”
Craig was an unselfish man who cherished his family above all else. He had a vibrant sense of humor and never passed up an opportunity to tell a joke or pull a prank. He was a resilient optimist who spent his life giving back to the communities in which he lived, the great state of Iowa, and the USA.
His favorite pastime was following his beloved Hawkeye football, wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball teams and the New York Yankees. Craig’s familiar and facetious expressions will live on with his family as we continue to repeat them: “Saddle up!” “God dammit, Marian! Why don’t you turn that up so the neighbors can hear?”
Craig vigorously served in many organizations and received many accolades: Iowa AARP for over 20 years and served on its advisory board to the Governor of Iowa; Iowa Retired School Personnel Association and was co-president with his wife Marian where they were responsible for bringing Delta Dental Insurance to their group; VFW Post #2308 as Commander for over 25 years and oversaw the refurbishing of Memorial Hall; Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. 2011; Sigourney Star Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership in 2013; University of Iowa Hawkeye Hero of the Game 2018; Sigourney Manor House Care Center advisory board; Democratic Party leader; life-long blood donor; Meals on Wheels; longtime member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sigourney.
Craig is survived by three daughters and their spouses: Cindy (Bruce, deceased) Campbell, of Thorp, Wisconsin, Jane (& Danny) Fetters of Beacon, Iowa, and Joni (& Steve) Benz of Olathe, Kansas; He also leaves grandchildren and spouses: Carrie (& Kevin) Hoff, Katie (& Nick) Draeger, Steve (& Kendra) Haugen, and Molly Burr; five great-grandchildren and spouse: Stephanie Hoff (& Conway Middleton), Isabella Hoff, and triplets – Damian, Sloan, and Craig (his namesake) Draeger; sister-in-law, Erma Johnson of Oskaloosa, Iowa; His only sister, Elizabeth Shreffler of Ballwin, MO; and many nieces and nephews also survive him.
In addition to his wife Marian, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Donald, Bernard, James, Rex, Frank, and Harold.
The family wishes to thank our very special Aunt Erma for all her visits and homemade applesauce that he loved; Craig’s devoted friends, Frank and Fran Besser of Sigourney; and the Oskaloosa Care Center staff.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 18, at the Oskaloosa VFW Post 2237 starting at 1:00 pm.
A private family burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to VFW Post 2308 in Sigourney or the Sigourney Public Library.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Craig J. Downing please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
