Person Page - 704

     Clyde E. Craft was born on 3 September 1909 at Zearing, Story Co., IA. He married Norma G. Christian. Clyde E. Craft died on 19 February 2009 at Apache Junction, Pinal Co., AZ, at age 99

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Clyde E. Craft, 99, of Apache Junction, Ariz., formerly of La Porte City and Jesup, died Thursday, Feb. 19, at Apache Junction Health Care Center.

He was born Sept. 3, 1909, in Zearing, son of J.W. and Myrtle Perry Craft. He married Norma Christian Oct. 9, 1930, in Zearing. He later married Sue Lauffer on Sept. 16, 1978, in Giard.

Mr. Craft was a farmer for many years in the La Porte City area.

Survived by: his wife; a son, Duane (Joanne) of La Porte City; six grandchildren, Debra (Lee) Rottinghaus of Jesup, Allen (Joyce) Craft of Colesburg, Angie (Mike) Reinert of Cedar Rapids, Teri (Dwaine) Brown of La Porte City, Courtney (Karen) Mether of Benson, Minn., and Stephanie (Dean) Abner of Kerkhoven, Minn; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mae Schrader of La Porte City.

Preceded in death by: his parents; a daughter, Diane Mether; a grandson, Theodore Mether; five brothers, Vaughn, Leslie, Don, Ray and Leland Craft; and two sisters, Leola Christians and Marie Johnson.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with burial in West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City. Visitation for an hour before services Wednesday at the church. La Porte City Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

He was buried in February 2009 at Westview Cemeteyr, La Porte City, Black Hawk Co., IA, Findagrave #34084263.

     Duane Eugene Craft was born on 24 August 1932 at La Porte City, Black Hawk Co., IA. He was the son of Clyde E. Craft and Norma G. Christian. Duane Eugene Craft married Joanne Marlene Wilt, daughter of Earl Warren Wilt and Mildred Margaret Mussman, on 25 October 1953 at First Methodist Church, La Porte City, Black Hawk Co., IA, The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Monday, 26 Oct 1953; Page 8; (Newspapers.com):

MR. AND MRS. CRAFT

LA PORTE CITY -- Nuptial vows were exchanged by Miss Joanne Wilt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wilt, and Duane Craft, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Craft, Sunday at 2 p. m. at the Methodist Church.

The Rev. D. R. Corrick performed the ceremony. Miss Delores Wilt was the maid of honor and Mrs. Ralph Dunkelberger and Mrs. Dean Craft, sister of the groom, were bridesmaids. Flower girl was Kathy Fry, Van Horn, and ring bearer was Mike Craft, cousin of the groom.

The groom chose his cousin, Dean Wienands, as best man. Junior groomsman was Farry Wilt, brother of the bride, and ushers were Ralph Dunkelberger, Truman Kaiser, Ronald Fultz and Neal Rathjen, Cedar Falls.

Mrs. Craft, who attended Gates Business College, Waterloo, is employed at the La Porte City State Bank and the groom, who attended Iowa State College, Ames, is engaged in farming with his father. They will live on the Craft farm after a wedding trip to the West coast.



Progress Review (La Porte City, Iowa); 1953 October 29; page 1, column 7; (Ancestry.com):

Joanne Wilt, Duane Craft Married Sunday

Mr. and Mrs. Duane Craft are on a two weeks honeymoon trip to the west following their wedding Sunday afternoon in the First Methodist Church.

For traveling, the new Mrs. Craft chose a two-piece blue knit dress and matching small hat with navy blue accessories.

The former Joanne Marlene Wilt is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wilt of southeast of La Porte City.

She was given in marriage by her father to Duane E. Craft, son of the Clyde Crafts of northeast of La Porte City in a double ring wedding ceremony performed at 2 o'clock.

Rev. D. R. Corick, pastor of the First Methodist church solemnize the couple's vows at the altar where a white kneeling bench, twin seven-branched candelabra and pedestal bouquets of white chrysanthemums formed the setting.

Nuptial Music

Neal Rathjen of Cedar Falls and Don Harting, Truman Kaiser and Ralph Dunkleberger seated the 200 guests before Cliff Burr accompanied by Mrs. Burr, sang "Because" and "O Perfect Love."

As the bridal party approached the altar, Mrs. Burr played Lohengrin's wedding march and Kathy Fry of Van Horns, cousin of the bride, scattered rose petals down the white carped isle.

Mrs. Burr played "Through The Years" as a musical background for the wedding service and "The Lord's Prayer" while the couple knelt for the pastor's prayer.

Dolores Wilt, sister of the bride, served as her maid of honor, and Mrs. Ralph Dunkleberger, friend of the bride, was her bridesmaid.

Dean Wienands, the groom's cousin, attended him as best man and Ted Shaw, friend of the groom, served as groomsman.

Diane Craft, sister of the groom, and Gary Wilt, brother of the bride were junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman, respectively and lit the candles.

Mike Craft, cousin of the groom, carried the rings on a heart shaped white satin pillow.

Traditional White Gown

The bride wore a traditional white gown and a white illusion net veil edged with Chantilly lace for her wedding. Two-fold net, gathered at the waist, fell over shimmering satin to form the floor length skirt of the gown and Chantilly lace made the bodice and long sleeves. Chantilly scalloped edged panels added interest to the skirt and pearl buttons set in lace scallops from a mandarin collar to the waistline featured the bodice. A row of lace covered buttons descended down the bodice back and closed the wrists of the bridal pointed sleeves.

Pearls and rhinestones trimmed the crown from which the veil fell to the bride's finger tips.

The bride's only jewelry was her groom's gift of a triple strand pearl choker. Her flowers were chrysanthemums and talisman roses in a ribbon tied stylized bouquet.

Gowns worn by the bridal attendants were identically styled with two-fold net over taffeta skirts, strapless lace bodices, lace jackets with short sleeves and Peter Pan collars and matching lace aprons over the skirts. The maid of honor's was coral and the bridesmaid's blue.

They wore matching braided net crowns dotted with rhinestones and carried stylized bouquets of chrysanthemums.

Lace and net made the flower girl's full-skirted floor length white dress, styled with puffed sleeves and a low round neckline encircled by a rolled collar.

The groom, his attendants and the ring bearer were attired in formal white jackets, dark blue trousers and bow ties and wore red carnation boutonnieres.

Both mothers wore blue wool suits and pink chrysanthemum corsages.

Reception

Mrs. Herbert Johannsen was hostess for the reception held in the church parlor after the wedding.

Aunts of the bride, Mrs. Max Loehr of Waterloo and Mrs. William Fry of Vinton cut the cake; Mrs. Neal Rathjen and Mrs. Melvin Tibbitts poured. Miss Beverly Mussman of Vinton registered the guests and Miss Carol Fry of Van Horne and Miss Janet Wilt and Miss Donetta Wilt presided at the gift table. The Marion Warner Circle was in charge of the serving.

Smilax, dotted with white pom poms enwreathed the three-tiered all-white wedding cake at the serving table center. Bride and Groom figurines under a white arch and doves, surmounted the cake and three-branched candle sticks holding coral and blue candles flanked it in smilax encircled bases.

Both the bride and the groom graduated from the La Porte City consolidated school in 1950. The groom attended ISC, Ames for a year and a half and has since been engaged in farming with his father. The bride attended Gates Business College until Dec. 1951 when she began working as bookkeeper in the La Porte City State bank.

Mr. and Mrs. Craft will reside on a farm five miles northeast of La Porte City. Mrs. Craft will continue working at the bank.


Note: The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Wednesday, 17 Dec 1958; Page 3; (Newspapers.com):

Craft Takes County Corn Contest With 141.88 Bu.

Duane Craft, who farms four miles northeast of La Porte City, is the 1958 Master Corn Grower of Black Hawk County with 141.88 bushels per acre.

This announcement comes from Ed Oberhauser, chairman of the county extension land use committee, sponsors of the contest.

THIS CONTEST based on the highest yield of corn from five acres has been sponsored continuously since 1931. Its purpose is to select each year the champion corn grower of the county.

The corn is figured on a 15 1/2 per cent moisture basis.

In second place was Myron Jepsen of Cedar Falls with 132.51 bushels per acre.

Yields of other entrants in the contest were:
J. P. MEISCH, Peyner township, 136.21 bushels; Donald Beck, Eagle township, 123.97; Guy Stover Jr., Lincoln township, 122.60; John Kirlin, Lincoln township, 115.60; J. E. Entz and Sons, Cedar township, 104.00.

All fields were harvested with a mechanical picker and the harvesting was supervised by disinterested persons to assure fairness and accuracy. The contest rules are set out by the Iowa Crop Improvement Assn.

A trophy which is furnished annually by the agricultural committee of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will be presented to Craft later in the winter.


The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Sunday, 15 Mar 1959; Page 47; (Newspapers.com):

Here's Fertilizer Plan Of County Corn Champ (extracted) -

Q - How much fertilizer did Duane Craft use in producing over 141 bushels of corn per acre in the 1958 Black Hawk County Master Corn Growers contest?

A - Duane's records show that he plowed down 900 pounds of 10-10-10 per acre and uses 125 pounds of 5-20-20 starter with the planter. This was second year corn with hay in 1956 and oats in 1955.


The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Saturday, 05 Jun 1965; Page 21; (Newspapers.com):

BUYS BENTON LAND

LA PORTE CITY (CNS) -- Mr. and Mrs. Duane Craft have purchased 90 acres of farm land in Benton County near La Porte City, formerly owned by Mrs. Nate Miller of La Porte City. Craft has been farming this land for some time, so has taken immediate possession.


"News of your Home Town FOLKS," Progress-Review (La Porte City, Iowa); Wednesday, 10 Jan 1968; Page 14; (Newspapers.com):

Forty-six descendants of the last J. A. and Myrtle Craft including their eight children gathered at the Legion Hall Sunday, January 7th, for their annual belated Christmas dinner. After the noon meal the afternoon was spent visiting, playing cards and games. Those who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Craft, Hudson; Don Craft, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Craft and family, Sumner; Mrs. Tom Meeker and sons, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Craft, Independence; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Mether, Hudson; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Christian and David, Brandon; Mr. and Mrs. Warren Schrader, Hudson; Mr. and Mrs. Herman Griswald, Eldora; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Craft, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Craft, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wienands, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Wienands, Mr. and Mrs. Duane Craft and family and Mr. and Mrs. Merle Lewis all of La Porte City.


Sheriff's Log - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Monday, 29 Mar 1976; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

TWO BLACK HAWK County farmers reported gasoline was stolen from their farms over the weekend. Duane Craft, Rt. 1, La Porte City, said 200 gallons were stolen from a storage tank and a battery charger was missing from another building. William Weber, Rt. 1, Dunkerton, said about 16 gallons of gasoline were stolen from his gas tank.


Waterloo Court Log - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Tuesday, 23 Nov 1976; Page 3; (Newspapers.com):

FINED $75 each after pleading guilty to criminal trespass charges were Robert Jay Lamkin, 18, of Hudson and Richard Lee Sass, 18, of 7220 La Porte Rd., Washburn. They were arrested by Black Hawk sheriff's deputies Nov. 12 after they were found acting suspiciously around a gasoline tank on the Duane Craft farm in Spring Creek township.


The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Thursday, 02 February 1978; page 8; (Newspapers.com):

Crafts host rehearsal dinner

Mr. and Mrs. Duane Craft of La Porte City will host a wedding rehearsal dinner Friday evening honoring their son, Allen, and his fiancée, Joyce Shelton.

The 8:30 p.m. dinner for 25 quests will be at Nino's Steak Roundup.

The couple will be married at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul United Methodist Church, La Porte City.


Article - "Non-conforming builders......," The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Thursday, 21 Dec 1978; Page 12; (Newspapers,com):
(Extracted portion)

THE COMMISSION [zoning commission] also recommended approval of a special permit for the Martin Marietta Corporation to allow it to extract sand from a 45-acre site northeast of La Porte City.

The company plans to lease the area for 15 years from Duane E. Craft.

.... the Martin Marietta request for a special permit must be approved by the county Board of Adjustment.


The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Friday, 14 Sep 1979; Page 5; (Newspapers.com):

Brandon men face charges for barn fire

INDEPENDENCE --- Buchanan County authorities have arrested one man and are expected to arrest another man in connection with a barn fire near Brandon on Oct. 17, 1978.

Authorities said Robert F. Traux, 20, of Brandon was arrested at 9 p.m. Thursday at his home on a charge of conspiracy to commit arson.

Truax is being held in the county jail at Independence.

According to warrants filed in Buchanan County District Court, Traux and Dennis Conrad, age unknown, of Brandon will face the same charges. Conrad was expected to be arrested this afternoon.

The arrests stem from nearly a year-long investigation of two barn fires in the Brandon area last October.

Traux and Conrad are suspects in a fire that destroyed the Duane Craft farm near Brandon in Jefferson Township.


The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Thursday, 10 Jan 1980; Page 26; (Newspapers.com):

Brandon men sentenced

INDEPENDENCE -- Two Brandon men, Denis Conrad, 21, and Robert Traux, 20, were given one year jail sentences in Buchanan County District Court before Judge William G. Klotzbach. The sentences were suspended, after the men admitted to counts of conspiracy in regard to the arson case on the Duane Craft farm in Jefferson township. Conrad and Traux admitted to setting fire to a barn on Craft's farm in October 1978.

Both men were placed on probation to the First Judicial District Department of Correctional Services for two years.


Sheriff's log - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Monday, 26 Nov 1984; Page 7; (Newspapers.com):

Larceny: tools were taken from an open storage shed at the home of Duane Craft, 9038 McStay Road, La Porte City.


Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa); Wednesday, 11 Jul 1990; Page 26; (Newspapers.com):

Obituary for Kari Ann (Truelson) McDonnell, 22, - a step-grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Duane Craft of La Porte City, Iowa.


The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Wednesday, 11 February 1998; Pages 1 & 7; (Newspapers.com):

A river runs through
The Cedar giveth and the Cedar taketh away

By Christine Willmsen, Courier Staff Writer, La Porte City

The county has taxed Duane Craft for his supposed 40 acres of land near the Cedar River near here for 55 years.

But a recent survey shows Craft's land has shrunk to almost half the original size because the river has changed its course over the years and meandered through his property.

And for the past several years he's been paying taxes unknowingly on a river, sandbars and even some land on the other side of the river formerly owned by Max Bartlett and now the County Conservation Board.

And what makes it a volatile situation with no easy answers is the ever-changing Cedar River that serves as the boundary for lot owners like Craft.

Craft and at least 40 other rural river-bottom land owners discussed their problems with county officials Monday.

County Conservation Director Steve Finegan said there are two issues that need to be resolved -- "what land you own and what you pay taxes on."

At this point, he said they probably don't match up.

The County Conservation Board was interested in purchasing property for a public hunting area from Bartlett, a land owner across the river to the south of Craft.

Due to changes in the boundary and property lines, the County Conservation Board ordered a state-funded $24,000 survey and title history of Bartlett's land in 1997. It later purchased it in December of that year.

That survey showed Craft, the owner to the north of the river, had lost considerable land.

Craft discredits the survey completed by Helland Engineering and Surveying Ltd. in Cedar Falls, saying the river hasn't changed.

"We paid taxes on it for 55 years," Craft said. "Can someone explain why we don't know about it and how we don't own it?

"It's a hostile takeover in my opinion: Craft said. :They're stealing my land; that's what we call it out on the farm."

Craft owns land north of the Cedar River in section 12 of Poyner Township -- which was 40 acres. He also was taxed on that 40 acres which was valued at $10,790 in 1997, according to the Assessor's office.

For taxing purposes, the assessor's office honors, under the advice of the county attorney's office, the old 1845 plat map regardless of its knowledge that the river has changed. The office will reassess land only if there is a new survey recorded or litigation.

However, throughout the years Black Hawk County and other counties haven't done surveys on river property because the land wasn't too valuable and the surveys traditionally were costly.

Now, due to the change in the Cedar River the surveys shows Craft owns approximately 32.12 acres -- not 40 acres -- with a current value of $7,640. In 1997 he paid $198 in taxes. He will pay approximately $176.79 in 1998, according to the new survey.

Craft and other nearby landowners believe he should be reimbursed for the taxes he paid on land he technically didn't own. However, the probability of that happening is unlikely, because officials would have to review all landowners near the river. Those who now own more land than they originally thought would owe taxes from prior years.

Craft has another property in the same area that has lost almost two acres of it's original 20.

Most of government lot owners on the river also have lost or gained land since the 1845 plat because of the river, Finegan said.

"Duane (Craft) was on the losing side of the river," he said. :There's a whole series of errors along the river. It's an unfortunate situation."

"They didn't have the ability to determine exactly where the rivers were" in the 1840s, he said.

Through the 20-plus years Finegan has worked for the county, he's seen the Cedar River move through miles of property.

It gets even more confusing when the river and its water is taken into consideration because it is "sovereign water" owned by the state.

For property owners to really know what they own versus what they've been paying taxes on for years they need a survey and title opinion. The cost is unclear, but a recorded survey will change the boundaries in the Assessor's Office.

County Assessor Vicki Atkins said the new geographical information system, a computer countywide mapping system of land parcels, could solve the problem. Atkins will need the authority to change property based on that computer information.

County Conservation attorney Bruce Zager will review the information and in several weeks determine what to do and answer questions for the land owners.
"We're hitting a moving target."


Personals - The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Sunday, 22 February 1998; Page 71; (Newspapers.com):

I'd like to thank all the concerned people and Leon Mosely who took time from their busy schedules to come to the B.H. Co. Courthouse to hear me attempt to reclaim 40 acres of land which the B.H. Co. Conservation board has recently took into a Public Hunting area with no negotiation - no compensation - just took.

Judging from what we learned at the meeting, I'm sure you agree, there should be some housecleaning done in the B.H. Co. Conservation Dept. And maybe a little cleaning up in the Courthouse wouldn't hurt either.

Thank You,
Duane Craft


65th Anniversary & photos (not extracted) - Duane E. Craft & Joanne Marlene Wilt, The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa); Sunday, 14 Oct 2018; Page V2; (Ancestry.com):

Craft/65

LA PORTE CITY - Duane and Joanne Craft will soon be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

They were married Oct. 25, 1953, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City.

Their family includes three children, Debra and Lee Rottinghaus of Jesup, Allen and Joyce Craft of Eldora and Angela and Mike Reinert of Cedar Rapids. They also have 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

No formal celebration is planned, but cards may be sent to their home address: 10001 Craft Lane, La Porte City 50651.

Duane Eugene Craft died on 23 November 2020 at La Porte City, Black Hawk Co., IA, at age 88

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Duane Craft, 88, of La Porte City, died Monday, November 23, 2020 at his home.

He was born August 24, 1932 in La Porte City the son of Clyde E. and Norma Christian Craft. He was a 1950 graduate of La Porte City High School.

He married Joanne Wilt on October 25, 1953 at the Episcopal United Methodist Church in La Porte City.

Duane farmed in La Porte City and surrounding areas for many years. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta at ISU, Iowa Corn Growers Association, where he was Master Corn Grower for a year.

He had a love of nature and could recognize every tree and plant. He loved to take old farms and make them new.

Survived by: a son, Allen (Joyce) Craft of La Porte City; 2 daughters, Debra (Lee) Rottinghaus of Jesup, Angela (Mike) Reinert of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren, Ryan (Holly Moser) Rottinghaus, Mindy (Lingheng Ye) Rottinghaus, Brianna Rottinghaus, Lucas (Cheyenne Dean) Rottinghaus, Andrea Rottinghaus, Daniel (Jennifer Gardner) Craft, Laura (Allen) Mast, Christopher (Anni) Craft, Matthew (Andrea) Reinert, Jennifer (Samuel) Renning, Amy (Benjamin) Grose, Jonathan Reinert and 14 great-grandchildren, William, Jackson, Issac, Oliver, Briar, Hinley, Willa, Finn, Aaron, Adrian, Liam, Nolan, Norah and Margaret.

Preceded in death by: his parents; a sister, Diane Mether and a grandson, Benjamin Rottinghaus.

Services
Private Family Graveside Services will be held in the West View Cemetery. A video of the service will be posted to the funeral home website. La Porte City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was buried in November 2020 at Westview Cemetery, La Porte City, Black Hawk Co., IA, Findagrave #218975011.

     Estella Edna Pearl Craft was born on 15 December 1900 at Cascade, Dubuque Co., IA.¹ She was the daughter of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Estella Edna Pearl Craft married George Darnall Lower on 27 October 1928 at Sioux City, Woodbury Co., IA; George remarried to Margaret Ann Offt in 1937 at Nashua, Iowa. He had no surviving children. Estella Edna Pearl Craft died on 21 October 1936 at Davenport, Scott Co., IA, at age 35. She was buried in October 1936 at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Fayette Co., IA, Findagrave #157177843.

     George Finley Craft was born on 15 February 1885 at Filmore, Dubuque Co., IA.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ George Finley Craft married Adaline L. Butler on 22 December 1921 at Dubuque Co., IA, no children. George Finley Craft died on 19 July 1941 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, at age 56. He was buried in July 1941 at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Fayette Co., IA, Findagrave #155823154.

     Grace Marian Craft was born on 11 September 1916 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA. She was the daughter of William Henry Craft and Anna V. Bockes. Grace Marian Craft married Leonard B. Helling on 17 September 1945 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA. Grace Marian Craft died on 5 April 2006 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, at age 89

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

Grace M. Helling, 89, of Stonehill Care Center, formerly of 2511 Windsor Ave., died at 4:22 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at The Finley Hospital, Dubuque.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish scripture wake service at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Helling worked at the Dubuque Battery Factory and later was director of housekeeping at Xavier Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1981.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1916, in Dubuque, daughter of William and Anna (Bockes) Craft. She married Leonard B. Helling on Sept. 17, 1945, at St. Mary's Catholic Church; he preceded her in death in January 1986.

She attended St. Mary's grade school and Dubuque Senior High School.

She was a member of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra board, the Xavier Auxiliary, Sacred Heart Parish and its Rosary Society and was a Boy Scout den mother.

Grace was known for her famous one-liners and quick Irish wit. She was an avid tennis player who also enjoyed reading, playing cards and was a fan of all sports. Grace was a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Surviving are her children, Bill (special friend, Beth Hilken) Helling, John (Nancy) Helling and Mary (Tom) Scherf, all of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Andrea Helling-Hernandez and Jason Helling, of Woodbridge, Va., and Sara and Carolyn Scherf, of Dubuque; her great grandchildren, Ava Rose and Hayden Cruz Hernandez, of Woodbridge; and her sister, June Craft-Pitt, of San Diego.

She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Marie, at birth; her parents; and her sister and brother-in-law: Ann and Robert Stephens.

She was buried in April 2006 at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Findagrave #13880403.

     Jacob Craft died at Norristown, Montgomery Co., PA, No children. He married Elizabeth Price, daughter of Rev. John W. Price and Mary Detwiler, No children.¹

     June Marie Craft was born on 23 August 1919 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA.¹ She was the daughter of William Henry Craft and Anna V. Bockes.¹ June Marie Craft married Paul Arthur Pitt on 16 July 1943; An engagement of Paul A. Pitt to Miss Ora Alice Gipe was announced in the 7 JAN 1943 issue of the Oakland Tribune newspaper, page 23, but there was no date for the wedding. Apparently that did not come to pass. (Newspapers.com). June Marie Craft died on 4 December 2012 at San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, at age 93

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

June Marie Craft Pitt passed away peacefully on December 4, 2012. She was surrounded by her loving children and very special care-givers.

June was delivered into this world by her father on August 23, 1919, in Dubuque, Iowa. After high school and business college, she ventured to San Diego, California, with her sister, Ann, where she worked first at Marston Company and then Solar Aircraft as a secretary. She met and fell in love with Paul Pitt at Solar; they were married on July 16, 1943, and they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this coming July.

June and Paul raised three children. June was very involved with her children's activities as a Cub Scout leader, a Girl Scout leader, in school parent organizations, as well as music and dance classes. And there were those wonderful yearly trips to the Sierras where she and Paul helped to instill a love of camping and the beauty of the mountains.

As her children grew older, June became involved with community organizations. She was a Charter member of and held many offices in the Rolando Women's Club and remained a member until it disbanded two years ago. She was a member of the philanthropic sorority, Sigma Alpha, for 55 years. This sorority supports education for autistic children.

June was a long time parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Community. She also was a docent for the San Diego Natural History Museum for over 20 years. In that capacity, she led her daughter, Paulette's 8th grade classes up Cowles Mountain each year to discover the natural beauty the San Diego chaparral.

June had many talents, the first of which was a welcoming personality that sparkled. She was gifted with a beautiful voice and was always ready to sing and get everyone else singing, too. She was an outstanding seamstress and stitchery artist; her hands were always occupied with sewing projects as she watched TV. And best of all, June was a great fisherman; she was always ready to cast a line out.

June is predeceased by her beloved husband who passed away less than a month before her. She is also predeceased by her sisters, Ann and Grace.

She is survived by her children: son, James Pitt, daughter, Paulette Newcom and daughter, Lauren Binder. She is also survived by her grandsons, Alex and Colin. She will be missed by her loving sisters of Sigma Alpha and her many friends and neighbors.

A Mass of Celebration of Life will be held for both June and Paul at St. Therese Catholic Church, 6016 Camino Rico, San Diego 92120 in the Allied Gardens / Del Cerro area, on Friday, January 11, 2013, at 11am. A reception will follow at the church hall. Interment will be at EI Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of June to Sigma Alpha Sorority, 4795 Mayapan Dr., La Mesa, CA 91941; in memory of Paul to Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering, Attn: Andrew Davol, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407; or for both June and Paul to San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on December 16, 2012.

She was buried in December 2012 at El Camino Memorial Park, San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, Findagrave #103412623.

     Melvin Dewey Craft was born on 27 September 1897 at Cascade, Dubuque Co., IA, Iowa Births, 1880-1904. 1900 census and Florida Death Index (1877-19980 show 1898, WW II draft registration shows 1899.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Melvin Dewey Craft married Emma L. Tate on 15 June 1936 at Nashua, Chickasaw Co., IA; Emma was previously married to Robert Slagle and had a daughter, Marjorie A. Slagle (1925-2018). Melvin Dewey Craft lived in 1962 at Elmhurst, DuPage Co., IL. He died in 1971. He was buried in 1971 at Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum, Peoria, Peoria Co., IL, Findagrave #140162117.

     Rachel Ellen Craft was born in April 1876 at Indiana.¹ She married Robert A. Hockersmith, son of Charles H. Hockersmith and Rachel Maria Gilmore, circa 1898.¹ Rachel Ellen Craft died on 1 May 1963 at Preble Co., OH, at age 87. She was buried in May 1963 at College Corner Cemetery, West College Corner, Union Co., IN.

     Samuel Francis Craft was born on 4 March 1881 at Linn Co., IA.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Samuel Francis Craft lived on 8 June 1900 at Whitewater Twp., Dubuque Co., IA, farming.¹ He lived in 1942 at Mount Vernon, Davison Co., SD, WW II draft registration. He died on 19 June 1962 at Mitchell, Davison Co., SD, at age 81. He was buried in June 1962 at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Davison Co., SD, Findagrae #67652391.
Note: Did not marry.

     Selah Craft was born circa 1904 at Dubuque Co., IA.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Selah Craft lived in 1962 at Seattle, King Co., WA.

     Sidney C. Craft was born on 1 April 1894 at Dubuque Co., IA.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Sidney C. Craft died in 1951. He was buried in 1951 at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Davison Co., SD, Findagrave #67652391.

     Stanley D. Craft was born in December 1889 at Dubuque Co., IA.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ Stanley D. Craft lived in 1962 at Forestburg, Sanborn Co., SD.

     Thomas Clarence Craft married Mattie Sherod.

     William Francis Craft was born in January 1854 at Linn Co. (probably), IA; son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Craft.^2,1 He married Estella Pearl Pence, daughter of Samuel Pence and Frances J. Payne, circa 1880. William Francis Craft lived on 22 April 1910 at Whitewater Twp., Dubuque Co., IA, farming. He was also the 1910 census enumerator for his area.³ He lived in 1912, William and Estella relocated the family to Mt. Vernon, South Dakota in 1912, per son Samuel's newspaper obituary.

He died in 1925. He was buried in 1925 at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Davison Co., SD, Findagrave #67652348.

     William Henry Craft was born on 29 August 1886 at Fillmore, Dubuque Co., IA; per WW I and II draft registrations and SS Applications and Claims. 1900 census (June 8) shows age 13, but erroneously listed the year as 1887.¹ He was the son of William Francis Craft and Estella Pearl Pence.¹ William Henry Craft married Anna V. Bockes in 1916. William Henry Craft lived on 14 January 1920 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, railroad worker.² He lived in 1962 at Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA. He was buried in November 1971 at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Findagrave #25148152. He died on 21 November 1971 at age 85.

     Mary Elizabeth Crafton was born on 4 November 1902 at Henderson Co., KY. She was the daughter of Robert Farley Crafton and Elizabeth Willingham. Mary Elizabeth Crafton married Edmond L. Starling, son of Stewart Starling and Nellie Ford. Mary Elizabeth Crafton died on 2 August 1965 at St. Luke's Hospital, Houston, Harris Co., TX, at age 62. She was buried in August 1965 at Fernwood Cemetery, Henderson, Henderson Co., KY.

     Robert Farley Crafton was born on 27 March 1878 at Henderson Co., KY. He married Elizabeth Willingham. Robert Farley Crafton died on 21 December 1957 at Henderson, Henderson Co., KY, at age 79.

     Marcus E. Crago was born on 10 October 1914. He married Mary Kathryn Dawson, daughter of Earl Dawson and Stella M. Steinhauser, After the death of Marcus, Kathryn married a Mikitka and was living at Farmington, New Mexico in 1992. Marcus E. Crago began military service on 20 July 1943 WW II service, U.S. Army, enlisted. He lived in 1945 at Columbus, Franklin Co., OH. He died on 26 December 1968 at Fayette County Memorial Hospital, Washington Court House, Fayette Co., OH, at age 54. He was buried at Washington Cemetery, Washington Court House, Fayette Co., OH.

     (?) Craig died at Eden Townland, Donaghedy Parish, County Tyrone, Ireland. She was born at County Donegal, Ireland. She married Jeremiah Smyth, son of James Smyth and (?) Rogers.

     (?) Craig married Sarah Stover, daughter of George Stover and Anna Rader, after 1871.¹

     Adaline E. Craig was born in May 1867 at Pennsylvania.¹ She married Robert McWhinney circa 1885.¹ Adaline E. Craig died in 1952. She was buried in 1952 at Homestead Cemetery, Munhall, Allegheny Co., PA.

     Note: Did not marry. Adam C. Craig was born in 1851 at Franklin Twp., Linn Co., IA.¹ He was the son of Thomas Craig and Martha Smyth. Adam C. Craig died on 1 November 1880 at Mt. Vernon, Linn Co., IA. He was buried in November 1880 at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Linn Co., IA.

     Alvis Craig was born on 12 September 1870; son of William and Hannah (Longmire) Craig. He married Helen Reeves Patterson, daughter of Judge Newton Alexander Patterson and Mary Susan Reeves. Alvis Craig died on 13 September 1932 at age 62. He was buried in September 1932 at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Athens, McMinn Co., TN, Findagrave #26875992.

     Amy Nevada Craig was born on 18 October 1876 at Shasta or Modoc Co., CA.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Paddock Craig and Mary Nevada Osborn.¹ Amy Nevada Craig married John C. F. Neff, son of Thomas Neff and Sarah E. Thomas, on 9 October 1892.² Amy Nevada Craig died on 21 March 1953 at Omak, Okanogan Co., WA, at age 76.

     Bertha Ann Craig was born in April 1884 at Kootenai Co. (probably), ID.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Paddock Craig and Mary Nevada Osborn.¹ Bertha Ann Craig married James J. Ryan before 23 April 1910 at Bonner Co. (probably), ID, 1830 census shows an adopted son, Norman C. Ryan.² Bertha Ann Craig lived in April 1930 at Algoma Precinct, Bonner Co., ID.

     Bessie Ellen Craig was born on 3 December 1893 at Kootenai Co. (probably), ID.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Paddock Craig and Mary Nevada Osborn.¹ Bessie Ellen Craig died on 27 April 1995 at age 101.

     Brian Lee Craig was born on 29 August 1963. He was the son of Vivian June Holtcamp. Brian Lee Craig died on 28 October 1983 at Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, at age 20. Cause of death: Suicide, gunshot wound. He was buried in 1983 at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Findagrave #72902900.

     Brianna Shari Craig was born on 11 September 1981 at Biloxi, Harrison Co., MS. She died on 15 October 1981 at Biloxi, Harrison Co., MS. She was buried in October 1981 at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Findagrave #179340742.

     Celia F. Craig was also known as Donnie C. Craig. She was born on 9 February 1894 at Shasta Co. (probably), CA.¹ She was the daughter of Johnie William Craig and Amanda Alice Fitzwater.¹ Celia F. Craig married William Earl Clark on 6 April 1912 at Bieber, Lassen Co., CA. Celia F. Craig died on 26 July 1969 at Shasta Co., CA, at age 75.