Mark Crawford

Marvin “Mark” Delaine Crawford, son of John Samuel Crawford and Alice (Blake) Crawford, was born September 16, 1937, in New Virginia, Iowa and passed from this life Thursday, December 26, 2024 at the Altoona Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Altoona at 87 years of age.

Mark was a lifetime resident of Clarke County, growing up on the family farm north of Osceola. He attended country school and graduated from Osceola High School. Mark married his high school sweetheart, Grace “Gracie” Eileen Sparks, on June 6, 1958 in Osceola, and two children, Kim and Michael, blessed this union.

Mark worked for Ziegler Cat in Altoona for over 40 years, retiring as a yard manager for the company. Mark enjoyed woodworking and crafted many picture frames. He enjoyed being outdoors, bow hunting, working in his large garden and sharing his produce with many. Mark was an animal lover, always babying the family dogs and cats. Mark was a member of the First Christian Church in Osceola.

Mark dearly loved his grandchildren and never missed a birthday party, concert, recital, or church play, and attended many of their sporting activities. Family meant everything to him, and he was never shy to show his affection to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Those relatives who preceded Mark in death were his wife Gracie Crawford, parents Alice and John Crawford, and brothers Ike, Carroll, and Jerry Crawford.

Mark leaves to cherish his memory: daughter Kim (Rob) Blink of West Des Moines; son Michael Crawford of Osceola; granddaughter Melissa (Jamie) Gibbons of Clive; grandson Bradford (Katie) Orlich of Clarksville, TN; granddaughter Danielle (Ryan) McDermott of Des Moines; granddaughter Sarah (Jason) Polakow of Arlington Heights, IL; grandson Peter Blink of Colorado Springs, CO; great grandchildren, Grace Orlich; Ronan McDermott; Harper McDermott; Lola McDermott; Nash Gibbons; Rowen Gibbons; Ella Orlich; Celia Polakow; Evan Polakow; Cora Blink; and Oscar Blink; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Mark’s Crawford ancestors immigrated from Ayrshire, Scotland in 1817, moving westward and ultimately settling and farming in South-Central Iowa. His mother’s American roots go back to November 21, 1620, when the pilgrims landed in America. Both he and Gracie were Mayflower descendants.

Funeral Services will be held at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Danny McNeal officiating.

Mark’s family will greet friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Kale Funeral Home.

A live stream of the service will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Mark’s tribute wall beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery immediately following the service, with a luncheon to be served following at the First Christian Church in Osceola.

Memorial contributions may be directed to his family for a fitting tribute to be decided.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com.