Craig Stephen DeLoss

Craig Stephen DeLoss, 73, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 29.

Born on November 5, 1951, to R.F. and Lavon (Ingvall) DeLoss in Spencer, Iowa, Craig spent his early years on a farm in Dickinson County before moving to Spencer at age four. A 1970 graduate of Spencer High School, Craig earned a scholarship to Iowa State University, where he distinguished himself on the basketball court. During his collegiate career from 1970 to 1975, he was selected for the All Big 8 Basketball team, touring Europe with the team. After earning two degrees from ISU in 1975, he continued his basketball career professionally in Europe for one year.

Throughout his life, Craig demonstrated strong work ethic, working in his family's construction business during high school and college years. Upon returning from Europe, he continued with the family construction business until the late 1980s, after which he built a career in trucking. Throughout his career, Craig was also involved in property management and ownership and continued to help with various family businesses. Craig remained active in basketball, playing AAU basketball with former ISU teammates and in the YMCA league, where he, along with his brother Vaughn and Y Director Chuck Pletke, won the Y Championship in 1982.

Known for his dependable nature and his loving, supportive presence, Craig made a lasting impact on both friends and family. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs, Tuck and Tess, whom he shared with his former wife, Sally Christiansen DeLoss. In his retirement years, Craig continued to help the family with their businesses and cherished time spent with his loved ones. He developed a passion for cinema, becoming a regular patron of the Spencer library's film collection, and enjoyed playing poker.

Craig is survived by his brothers David DeLoss, Garry DeLoss, Barry (Jody) DeLoss, and Vaughn (Gayle) DeLoss, all from Spencer. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Lanny, Doug, Dona, John, Kristin, Jayme, Robyn, Laura, Jacob, Adam, and Sam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.F. and Lavon DeLoss, brother Ty, sister Linda, and nephew Todd.

Craig leaves behind a legacy of love to his best friend Michele who passed away in April.