Craig M. Schwantes

Craig M. Schwantes, age 58, of Lancaster, died on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at his residence. He was born on August 24, 1949, in Lancaster, the son of Roger and Shirley (Schindler) Schwantes. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1968. Craig was employed for a short time in Janesville and was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. He served in the 101^st Airborne Division, stationed in Vietnam and Germany. Craig was employed at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works for over 30 years, retiring in 2002. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 2344 of Lancaster, and also a member of the Abraham Hickok Wetmore American Legion Post No. 148 of Bloomington. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, and a good card game.

Surviving is his mother, Shirley, Lancaster; a sister, Karen (Dennis) Griffin, Dubuque; nephew, Benjamin (fianc Erin Gehant) Griffin, Cedar Rapids; great-nephew, Brody James; special friend, Deanna Udelhofen, Lancaster, aunts uncles and cousins.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Roger; brother, Daniel Schwantes and a sister, Peggy Schwantes.

Private family graveside services with military honors were held on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. Friends called on Sunday, May 25, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster.