Craig Dean Lee

Craig Dean Lee, 79, of Cedar Falls passed away on April 24, 2026, six weeks after a stroke. He built a life centered on his family and many friendships, and his absence will be felt by all of us who shared in it. Craig was born in Independence, IA in 1947 and raised in Waterloo, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Icel (Kemp) Lee, daughter-in-law Dr. Johanna Kolodziejski, and his niece Michele Fraser.

Craig was a proud graduate of Waterloo East High, ‘65 and the University of Northern Iowa, ‘72. While at UNI, but before graduating, he made the surprising decision to enlist in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class and was honorably discharged in 1971. When he returned to Waterloo, fortune shone on him when he met his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Ann (Hartston). They married in 1972 and had two children they protected and raised in Cedar Falls as fixtures on 19th street in the shadow of the UNI-Dome.

After having kids, Craig quit smoking and took up running, meticulously logging his miles for decades, and encouraging his kids to join him. His daughter, Erica, even did. He loved a Friday night after a long work week with Mary Ann and their friends having a bit too much fun, and golf, where he spent his free time organizing groups to make it a habit. He walked back and forth from the house to UNI in all seasons for games and matches where he was a booster for 50+ years. He took every opportunity to cheer the Panthers especially against larger in-state schools. He loved an underdog.

Craig was happiest attending his kids’ and grandkids’ games and activities. He traveled far to never miss a swim meet and less than 60 seconds of his kids’ races. He was a regular on the pool deck with a stopwatch, in the stands at a gymnastics competition or baseball game, coached kids’ softball, and tried to teach what he knew about throwing a ball. This continued with his grandkids’ soccer and volleyball and dance. He was the most dad of dads and grandpas. He loved to ingrain the basics: the importance of regular oil changes, balancing a checkbook, shining a shoe, being on time, how to keep score at a Cardinals baseball game. Craig was a man who proudly owned a hat or sweatshirt from every school his kids or grandkids attended, from elementary to graduate school.

His wit was sharp, maybe too sharp at times, but was overshadowed by his empathy, openness (after reflection), kindness, and interest in making friends. He liked to make small waves with a wry smile occasionally, but he enjoyed smoothing them over even more.

Craig worked as an accountant and business office manager at Covenant Medical Center for 30 years and at Chesley Co, before that, retiring in 2010. He was on the board of the Cedar Valley Hospice and active in the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management. He took his work seriously, but never put it before family, friends, or finding a sense of purpose, including in his work.

Craig is survived by his incredible wife Mary Ann; son Jason (Sara Gia Trongone); daughter Erica; grandkids Alanna, Dylan, and Heather; brother Gary (Judy); a niece, three nephews, and many family and friends who loved him.

Those family and friends are invited to a celebration of Craig’s life on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Cedar Falls Amvets, from 1-4 p.m. There will be a short honor guard ceremony from 1-1:15 followed by a reception with food, drinks, and yes, Jameson. The family requests you wear your favorite UNI gear or purple and gold in honor of Craig.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future charitable donation.