Bernice Craig

Bernice Emma (Plaehn) Craig was born December 24, 1924 daughter of Henry and Emma (Theisen) Plaehn. She was #9 of 10 children: Beulah Hauschildt, Harold, Lois Wickliffe, Earl, Alta Arp, Chuck, Paul, Kenny and Leonard.

Bernice married John D. Craig March 29, 1947 in Reinbeck, Iowa. John and Bernice farmed in Tama and Grundy Counties and spent most of their years in Dike. Bernice attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) for 1 year and taught country school near Morrison. As was the case surrounding the Depression and WWII, Bernice helped the family by bartending at her father’s tavern in Reinbeck after teaching during the day. Bernice was employed at W.T. Grant Department Store and as head cook for many years in the Dike Community Schools. Bernice was a member of Fredsville Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, served on Church Council, helped establish the Thursday morning quilting group and helped in the kitchen at numerous events. Bernice also volunteered for the Brain Injury Association of Iowa following son Bob’s traumatic brain injury. Bernice often joked and commented on her numerous major surgeries and her attitude of survival – to look on the positive side of life. She commented on how poor her family must have been when she was growing up, though she never really knew about the financial struggles because there was always love and laughter.

Bernice loved farm life especially the fall and harvest. She loved animals, nature and music. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, cooking, card playing, reading and her tea roses. Most of all Bernice was a devoted mother and loyal friend.

Bernice is preceded in death by her husband in 1991, infant twins, and sons Dennis Craig and Bob Craig. Bernice is survived by her daughter Jean (Jim) Loger; grandchildren Lance (Melissa) Loger and Heidi (Jeremy) Mounce; great grandchildren Sawyer, Sierra and Shayden Loger and Miles and Violet Mounce. Survivors also include daughter-in-law Lynn Craig and grandchildren Bill, Brad (Amy) and Michelle Craig; great-grandchildren Ariel and Ashlynn Williams, Madison (Chris) Wiggins, and Colton and Chase Craig. Additional survivors include brother Leonard (Beverly), sisters-in-law Darlene Plaehn, Betty Craig and many nieces, nephews and friends. Special friends and regular visitors include Jane Campbell, Evelyn Andorff, Betty Fischer and her Fredsville family.

Funeral services 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 11, 2021 at Fredsville Lutheran Church, with interment in the church cemetery, both in rural Cedar Fall. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church and also one hour prior to the services.