Craig Dee Wallace, 78, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024. He was surrounded by his family whom he loved more than anything. Craig was born on Kearns Air Force Base in Utah, July 18, 1945, to Robert and Bette (Boyd) Wallace.
Craig grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He first made the news after being diagnosed with polio the day after celebrating his 8th birthday when all 35 of his friends in attendance had to be vaccinated. Craig attended Lincoln High School where he played on the golf team and learned Russian; he made the news again when he conversed with members of the Russian farm delegation visiting Des Moines. After graduation, Craig attended Iowa State University for a short period before entering the business world.
Spending time with his family was what Craig cherished most and brought him immeasurable joy. In August 1966 he met the love of his life, Jan, at Scarpinos; they were engaged on New Year’s Eve 1966 and married five months later on May 13, 1967. Craig loved sharing the stories of how they hated each other in high school, but fate intervened, and they fell in love a few years later. May 13, 2024, would have been their 57th anniversary. In 1971 they welcomed their daughter Kristina and in 1977 their son Chris was born. Craig loved being a dad. On Saturday mornings he and Kristina would go roller skating and they spent many years attending Indian Princesses where Craig was known as Walking Turtle and Kristina went by Little Snowflake. Craig could be found coaching Chris’ t-ball team, and they enjoyed golfing together – especially in Arkansas and he was always in attendance for Chris’ show choir and band events, even in college. Even more than being a dad he loved being a grandpa. Craig could be found at all of Caleb’s band, show choir and drama events and when Alex, Zach and Briella came along Craig followed the kids through t-ball, football and gymnastics.
Craig worked for several companies in Des Moines including KRNT (now known as KCCI), Farmland Insurance, Kirke Van Orsdel and Ramsey Pontiac. He retired from Marcolin Eyewear after 20 years of selling eyewear to doctors.
Craig is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan; daughter Kristina; son Chris (Leann); four grandchildren Caleb (Kimberly) Lusk, Alex Wallace, Zach Wallace and Briella Wallace; one great-grandson, Paxton Lusk and sisters Martie (Roger) Hansen and Penne (Mike) Beauchamp. Craig was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bette Wallace.
Craig’s life will be celebrated at Sunset Memorial Chapel & Gardens with visitation on May 19, 2024, from 2pm-4pm and funeral on May 20, 2024, at 10:00am. A graveside service will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
