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 Craig Campbell of Urbandale, age 70, died on Monday April 15, 2024 from an aggressive form of cancer.
Craig was born in Des Moines, IA to Crom and Mary Campbell on June 22, 1953. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971. He then attended Iowa State University and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated from Iowa State with degrees in Botany and Landscape Architecture.
Craig spent much of his career as Vice President of Campbell Industries (a leader and innovator in manufacturing of grain dryers). In 2015, he invested in rental properties in his Urbandale neighborhood and became a trusted landlord providing affordable housing for his renters.
Craig became a Christian while in college. He never hesitated to share his faith. He attended First Federated Church for many years, where he met his wife, Cathy. He was currently active at The Mission Church in Urbandale.
Craig loved nature and had a wealth of knowledge in tree and plant identification. He also loved hiking, fishing, swimming, skiing, gardening, cooking, spending time on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, and camping in his Airstream. Most of all, he loved his family.
Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Mary in 2021, his father, Crom in 2022 and his grandson, Michael Joseph Mason in 2004.
Craig is survived by his wife, Cathy Jared Campbell; three sons and one daughter: Jared Adams of Hudson, NY; Stuart Campbell of Des Moines, IA; Jordan Campbell (Tchernavian) of Elizabeth City, NC; Emily Adams of Urbandale, IA. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Stephen Hastings of Urbandale, IA; Jonah and Jacob Campbell of Des Moines IA. He is survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law: Scott and Becky Campbell of Beeville, TX; and Douglass and Karen Campbell of Mason City, IA. He is survived as well by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In accordance with Craig’s wishes, he has been cremated.
There will be a Celebration of Life get together on Tuesday May 21st from 11:00 to 3:00 at the Giovannetti Community Shelter at Walker Johnston Park, 8900 Douglas Ave Urbandale
.png) Posted online on April 19, 2024
Published in Des Moines Register https://www.desmoinesregister.com/obituaries/piow0795320
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Kent Klein
Gone is my best freind of 60 years. We hiked, camped, hunted and fished together all our lives. TRHS swim team together, St Pauls choir together, charter members of the Grainies, Phi Delts together at ISU and family trips over the years together. We were so blessed to share so much of those 60 years together and with each others family. I went to Hubbell and Craig went to Greenwood but we had heard of each other through common friends before we met 2 years later. Those common friends knew Craig and I would hit it off because of same interests and when we did finally meet we became close friends immdiately.
I will never walk in the woods again an be able to have Carig identify any tree, plant, moss or sedge I'm wondering about. I'll never again see Craig use the most stupid abnoxious fishing lure he could find only to catch a 2# Rainbow Trout or a 6# walleye. I'll never again shoot on a pistol range or skeet field without thinking of his incredible his aim.
Please know that Craig faced death with peace and courage. He knew what was ahead for him (and all believers) in paradise. I hope for that same peace and courage for us all as we each face our own mortality
Early on friends would refer to us as the skipper (me) and little buddy (Craig as Gilligan) from the Gilligans Island series. So with that:
Good bye Little Buddy
The Skipper
Kent Klein
Jay Irwin
Craig was a great soul. Quiet at times until he wasn't, when he'd usually say something witty that came toward the end of discussion that no one else had considered. Very bright individual and fun to be around. I met Craig as we and a group of Rosie's who ended up being a pretty tight cabal senior year went to "study" art, architecture, history and music in Europe the summer before. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't seen Craig since one of our earlier reunions, but will always have lots of great and unforgettable memories of Craig. May you enjoy eternal peace, brother.
John Oler
I remember Craig used to come over to my restaurant Beggars Banquet in the early 1980s. We had some good conversations. We laugh at the stuff we did in high school, talk about our current jobs and generally enjoy each others company. I learned at that time he was intricately involved in his family business. I am always glad when I can interact with former classmates. It was a joy to see Craig back then. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Michael Douglass (Douglass)
It is impossible to conger images of my boyhood in Des Moines without seeing Craig Campbell. We were born three days apart and spent our childhoods attending the same schools, living only two blocks apart (if you cut through Rob Holcomb's yard.)
Craig was always the fastest runner and best tree climber. A monkey really. He had an innate intellectual curiosity and was alwys keen for adventure. - whether in the depths of Greenwood Park, along the Racoon River, or, as a teen, in more far-flung parts of the city. As a boy he was funny, clever, creative, and steadfast in his friendship. I can only imagine that he evinced these traits throughout his life.
He could also be a little naughty. Once, I recall, when the IM Pei addition to the Des Moines Art Center was under construction, Craig decided (with no objection froom me) that a 4X8 foot sheet of 3/4 inch plywood would make a grand base for a hideaway fort in the attic above his bedroom. Under cover of dark, we liberated it from the construction site and manually hauled it back to his house in what seemed liked a ten-mile trek. He was in front, I was in back, and at least once he failed to inform me that a fire hydrant was directly in our path. You are forgiven, old friend.
By all accounts Craig lived a rich and full life with many blessings. May God continue to grant him mercy for all the days to come. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Michael Douglass
Tom Thomas (Thomas)
RIP Craig
A friend in cross-country and track; an individual at school.
Admired him for a pull-over letter sweater in lieu of traditional style.
TT