Charles Eugene Craig
March 23, 1946 - December 30, 2022
Obituary
PRAIRIE DU SAC/LODI-Charles E. Craig, age 76, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022, in Madison, Wisconsin surrounded by his family.
Born on March 23, 1946, in Iowa City, Iowa to Gladys (Nichols) and Robert Craig, Chuck was the fifth of eight children: three boys and five girls.
In 1954, his family moved from Downy, Iowa to Cedar Rapids, where he attended St. Patrick’s school and was a member of the first graduating class from LaSalle High School. He attended University of Iowa, studying two subjects he loved: business and art. He remained a proud “Hawkeye” the rest of his life.
Chuck married the love of his life, Patricia L. Teahen, on September 3, 1966. Together they created a beautiful life, enjoying 56 years of marriage. Chuck and Pat met in grade school while attending St. Patrick’s, and later married there. In 1979, they moved their young family to Madison, WI.
Chuck was a patriot to his core and deeply loved the country he served. A proud military veteran, he served in the United States Army from January 1968 until January 1971. This time included a tour of duty in Vietnam, for which he received the Army Commendation medal, along with other medals and citations for his service. He attained the rank of Specialist 5th Class.
His business career was spent in the insurance industry with positions at Prudential, National Guardian Life, 3M Insurance and eventually his own agency: Craig & Associates, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit continued after his retirement from insurance. He started “VoiceOvers by Charlie”, where he used his unique God-given voice to record voice-over commercials and audio books for authors from across the globe.
He was a gifted artist and enjoyed working with oils and charcoal on his many canvases. He could often be found in his studio, where he loved having his grandchildren visit for art lessons.
He leaves behind many who loved him, including his beloved wife Patricia and their four children: Aime (Kyle) Meyers of Waunakee, Jeffrey (Bobbi) Craig of Prairie du Sac, Jason (Mindy) Craig of Eau Claire and Katie (Eric) Meyer of Lodi, eight grandsons and one granddaughter. Chuck felt blessed that his family all resided in Wisconsin.
Surviving siblings are his brother Timothy Craig, Blue Springs, Missouri and five sisters; Jane Cunningham of West Des Moines Iowa; Arlene Owens of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Patty Bailey of Marengo, Iowa; Betty Hruska of Anamosa, Iowa and Rosemary Craig of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gladys Craig, and his brother John.
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main Street, Lodi, on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with an opportunity to share memories at 6:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at DEVINE MERCY CATHOLIC PARISH at ST. NORBERT’S CHURCH, 8944 County Hwy Y, Sauk City (Roxbury) at 11a.m. with Fr. James Kotch presiding.
Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund https://www.vvmf.org/tributes/Charles-Eugene-Craig/
His quick wit, incredible sense of humor and love of conversation will be deeply missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201