Rev. David D. Crail

Crail, Rev. David D.

Rev. David D. Crail, 90, of Wisconsin Rapids, formerly from the Chicago area, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24.

David married Barbara Riegling in March 1951, and celebrated 61 joyful years of marriage until her death in 2012. A graduate of Proviso High School (Maywood, IL) and Wheaton College (IL), David lived a life of love and compassion for each person he met. With over 50 years of pastoral ministry, he served Wesleyan and United Methodist congregations in IL and WI and headed the Quad-Cities Clergy Association for 11 years. As a teacher, David taught 5th grade for 7 years; directed Elk Grove Preschool for 18 years; and taught short-term college classes. He served the wider community as a hospital and police chaplain, and as an advocate for both children and seniors.

David loved music, playing the violin and the musical saw, and singing in numerous college, church and community groups. He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 States, many Canadian provinces, and a variety of foreign countries. He loved to tinker and repair things, and liked to read the Bible, devotional books, mysteries, and magazines of all sorts.

He will be greatly missed by his six children: David S. (Aleta) Crail of Roselle, IL; Carolyn (Pedro) Medina of Pflugerville, TX; Theodore (Rhona) Crail of Highland, IL; Timothy (Doreen) Crail of Portland, OR; Jonathan (Rhodalyne) Crail of DeKalb, IL; and Diane (Boris) Illade of Westminster, CO. He loved his 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, sister-in-laws, many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat Terry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart M and Faye (Daniels) Crail; his wife Barbara; his brother, Lawrence Crail; a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and three nephews.

David's life will be celebrated on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m. at Baker Street Wesleyan Church, 640 Baker St, Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to care for children in need through World Hope International or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) refugee assistance.