William James "Bill" Craig, Jr.

William "Bill" James Craig, Jr. passed away Sunday afternoon, June 26 at UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Born to William and Evelyn Craig in Abington, PA, the family relocated to Toledo, IA where he graduated from South Tama County Community High School in 1964. He served in the United States Army and the Iowa National Guard from 1967-73, including overseas service in Vietnam during 1969-70. After a whirlwind romance, Bill married Cathy Carlson in March of 1973. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1974. After the death of his father, his mother then married Robert Powell who adopted Bill and his sisters in 1978.

Among his many varied occupations, Bill worked in home improvement with Gielau Siding, Quegg Siding and Windows, and Craig Enterprises; he was a bank facility manager; and he also worked for Asplundh Tree Expert Company and Craig Tree Service trimming trees.

He was affiliated with many organizations, including the Robert J. Hibbs VFW Post 3896 as their First Commander, the American Legion, AMVETS Post 49, co-chair of the Black Hawk Vietnam Memorial, Black Hawk Rugby Club, Iowa Rugby Referee Society, and Olde Barking Dogs Rugby Club (touring side). He was inducted into the Iowa Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bill was fiercely loyal, a kind and generous friend, a warm and caring family man, a creative handyman, and a versatile athlete. It was hard to find something he couldn't fix or know someone who could. He enjoyed golf and rugby, and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. A music lover and supporter of the arts, he had an eclectic taste in music. He was immensely proud of his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cathy (Carlson) Craig, his son Saylar (Tracy) Craig of Singapore, his daughter Mia (Scott) Hagarty of Tennessee, his grandchildren Kalia and Harrison of Singapore, and Anya of Tennessee, his sister Ruth Smith of Iowa, brother-in-law Bruce McEltree, godson Will Quegg, and numerous extended family and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his adoptive father, a daughter Keely, a sister Suzanne "Suzi" McEltree, his parents-in-law Keith and Betty Carlson, and nephew Calder Carlson.

Celebration of Life including full military honors will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:30am with visitation an hour before at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to UNI Women's Rugby.  To make a contribution, please go to https://foundation.uni.edu and click on the GIVE button in the upper right. Next, under "Designation", select "Other Designation" and type: 222739 UNI Women's Rugby Fund, then complete the rest of the form.  Donations are tax deductible and the UNI Foundation handles sending out tax receipts to donors.