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Craig Urbauer Obituary
Craig L. Urbauer
October 28, 1942 - December 31, 2020
Craig L. Urbauer, 78, of Lincoln, passed away December 31, 2020. Born October 28, 1942, raised in Davenport, NE. Parents Lester and Ruth (Swanson) Urbauer. Married Arlene Joyce Schoonover in Milford, NE on August 12, 1967. Graduated from Davenport High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University (Bachelor of Arts), and University of Nebraska College of Medicine (Medical Doctor). Post graduate training at Bryan Memorial Hospital, the University of Iowa, the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health (Master's Degree, Public Health), and the US Army War College (Master's Degree, Strategic Planning). Board Certified in Urology and Aerospace Medicine.
Early active duty military career; Battalion Surgeon, Viet Nam 1969 – 1970, awarded the Bronze Star and 4 Air Medals. Practiced clinical urology in Lincoln, NE from 1975 to 1987. Member of the Nebraska Medical Association, and Nebraska Army National Guard. President of the Nebraska Division American Cancer Society, President Lancaster County Medical Society, and President, Lancaster County Blood Bank. Active service in the US Army 1987 – 2007. Various positions included National Guard Bureau Surgeon twice, Army Reserve Chief Surgeon, Chief Medical Officer 18th Medical Command, Korea, Dean, US Army School of Aviation Medicine, Commander US Army Aeromedical Center, Assistant Deputy for Medical Policy in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army.
He was directly involved in medical support for Hurricane Hugo, Virgin Islands, 1989, and Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, 2005. He was responsible for establishing health care for 5000 Kosovo refugees brought to the United States in May, 1999. He survived the 911 attack on the Pentagon in 2001. He worked with and mentored six junior officers who subsequently became General Officers, to include The Surgeon General of the US Army, and The Surgeon General of the US Coast Guard.
Additional military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, Master Flight Surgeon wings, Air Assault Wings, the US Army Order of Military Medical Merit, and over 100 "Challenge Coins" for accomplishment/commendation. Following retirement from the Army in 2007 he worked as Chief Medical Officer and Project Manager for ASM Research in Falls Church, VA, creating and developing military medical readiness programs for the Department of Defense.He and Joyce retired in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2011.
Survived by wife, Joyce Urbauer, sister Marilyn (Urbauer) Williams, two children, Stephen Urbauer (Hollie Stirts), and Elizabeth Brown (Jeremy Brown). Four grandchildren, Gianna and Francesca Urbauer, Sarah and Andrew Brown.
A small family and friends private memorial service will be held at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 10:30 am.Due to the COVID restrictions the family invites you to join them via livestream at roperandsons.com. Memorials may be sent to Bryan College of Health Sciences, Lincoln, Nebraska. "Hugs from Home" or condolences online at roperandsons.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Urbauer
Mel and Carla Leggett
January 24, 2021
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15
Larry & Gail Dawes
January 4, 2021
Our deepest sympathy. Craig has been a very special friend since our days together in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Nebraska Wesleyan. That friendship spanned more than fifty years and included sharing the joys of achievements and the special bond shared among military aviators during our respective military careers. Beyond that, Craig was the self appointed family doctor for the extended Dawes family, consulting on and consoling family members on the illnesses and death of our dad and routinely checking on the status of our mom during the last few years of her life. We consider ourselves blessed to have had Craig as part of our lives and will be sorely missed. May God grant you peace Joyce, knowing how much he meant to so many others.
Holly (Lamprecht) Didier
January 4, 2021
My condolences to the family. Craig was such a wonderful physician and surgeon. I worked with him in surgery for many years, he was always one of the favorite to work with. Especially paired with Dr. Synhorst! I used to babysit for the children when I was in Bryan nursing school. It was a delight to see him back in the halls of Bryan when volunteered. Your family always holds a special place in my heart. Please accept my prayers and thoughts in the loss of such a wonderful man.
Ann Stark
January 4, 2021
Joyce and family,
My kindest regards and sympathy to you. I will always remember the passion Col Urbauer had for 'teaching moments' and the unwavering support he gave the Reserve Components through our work on Hooah 4 Health. He was one in a million.
Robert & Marilyn Gade
January 4, 2021
We knew Craig for a short time but it was a enjoyable trip with St Marks Church to the Canadian Rockies. We encountered him to write his biography and the last we knew he was writing away. We kept telling him that his children and grandchildren would like to know his history. He will be missed.
Bob & Marilyn Gade
Diana Linden
January 4, 2021
Joyce, and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Craig was such a great person, and always up for a laugh. I enjoyed his company so much. He accomplished a lot in his lifetime. With that said, a man who accomplishes much has family that support that. Thank you Joyce, and family for all you did that supported Craig. You are an amazing family. Praying for you at this difficult time...
Diana Linden
Roxann Ficken Brennfoerder
January 3, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Joyce and Marilyn. I was only a child, but my parents and I always admired and trusted your whole family, especially your mom and dad. My mother, Annie Ficken, passed away from COVID related causes on December 24, so we are mourning with you. Roxann
Diane H. Oltman
January 3, 2021
There will always be 'Joyce and Craig'. Joyce, I am so sorry that Craig has gone on, but thankful you two had such a loving, adventurous 50+ years together. Cling to those good memories; take good care of yourself. We love you, Bill and Diane Oltman.
Nick & Deeanne Workhoven
January 2, 2021
Joyce, words can not convey adequately our support and love for you in this sad time. So happy for the 2019 reunion. He had just the best smile.
Roger and Paula Neemann
January 2, 2021
Sorry for your loss. We enjoyed our time with you on the Canada Rockies trip.
Dr. Paul "Skip" Collicott
January 2, 2021
Always enjoyed working with Craig.
M Jane Ford Witthoff
January 2, 2021
My condolences to his family . We were fortunate to know and work with him.
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