Craig Stephenson

Eldon Craig Stephenson, son of Eldon Earl Stephenson and Lois J (Smith) Stephenson was born April 29, 1950 in Osceola, Iowa and passed from this life Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola, Iowa at 73 years of age.       

Craig graduated from Interstate 35 High School and attended Indian Hills Community College.  On  August 1, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Osceola, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Lou McNeal and they were blessed with three children, Brian, Brent and Brandi.       

Craig was a hard working husband, father, and grandfather. He was a farmer, worked as a real estate agent, was a self contractor, took care of the Osceola and Lamoni rest areas, held many positions at the Iowa State Fair, was a golf course superintendent and owned and operated Craig’s Tire and Small Engine. Craig was once the number one Cub Cadet dealer in the nation.  He was a member of the New Virginia Neophyte Lodge #301 A.F. &  A.M. and was a member of the Shrine.  He enjoyed flying his plane and was a member of the Winterset Flying Club, Northfield Flying Club, and Flying Fez.  Craig also enjoyed antique cars and antique tractors, and was a member of the Antique Tractor Club and ten years with the Monte Carlo Club.       

Family was very important to Craig.  He enjoyed all the sporting events of his kids and grandkids and participated in sports as a young man.  Craig also enjoyed boating, camping, traveling to Arizona and watching old westerns, but his favorite thing was being at the Iowa State Fair.  He was a very caring and helpful man who will be greatly missed.         

Those relatives who preceded Craig in death were his parents, Lois and Eldon Stephenson, in-laws, Harold and Mamie McNeal , many aunts, uncles and other relatives.         

Craig leaves to cherish his memory; wife Bonnie Stephenson of Osceola, IA, son Brian (Natalie) Stephenson of Johnston, IA, son, Brent (Angie) Stephenson of Kansas City, MO, daughter, Brandi (Kyle) Dittmer of Prole, IA, brother, Tim (Verlene) Stephenson of Osceola, IA, sister, Debra Renee McChurch of Indianola, IA, grandchildren, Ryan Stephenson, Reagan Stephenson, Carman (Jacob) Stephenson, Andrew Stephenson, Aleicks (Chris) Looney, Blayke Norton and great grandchild, Jameson Yoakum, many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life visitation was Saturday June 3, 2023 from 2:00 until 5:00 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Cremation was entrusted to Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Memorial contributions may be directed to his family for a fitting tribute to be decided at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com