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Craig Martins Obituary
Craig was devoted to his wife Brenda and actively engaged with his extended family from Geneseo, IL. He was a thoughtful friend and dependable co-worker at John Deere during his 32 career. Craig was an active golfer with a community spirit. He was the chairman for the Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament for the Cure to occur the week of his death. He touched the lives of many with his friendship, optimism and thoughtfulness.
Craig graduated from Western IL University in 1978. He served in the US Army from 1974 to 1976 as an MP. During his John Deere career he lived in Moline IL, Atlanta GA, Wichita KS, Lincoln NE, Gainesville FL, Des Moines IA, Madison WI and Raleigh NC.
Craig was preceded in death by his brother Danny.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda; parents, James and Vivian; brothers, Bobby and Kenny; sisters, Debbie and Lorri; 22 nieces and nephews, Brandon, Kari, Amy, Stacey, James, Andrew, Gregory, Aaron, Adam, Tanner, Cassie, Katelyn, Blake, Tom, Morgan, Lauren, Austin, Cameron, Tristen, Callie, Taylor and Parker. Craig is also survived by Brenda’s parent’s Helen and Wayne; her sister, Marta and brother Brian.
Craig was a devoted husband, son, brother and uncle. He visited his hometown Geneseo, IL often to watch the sporting events of his nephews, to support his parents, play golf and socialize with family and friends. As an uncle he loved to follow the activities of his nieces and nephews through their school years into adulthood.
Craig was a dedicated John Deere employee. During his career he served in many capacities, but many will remember him as the expert behind John Deere’s mobile service initiative for dealers.
Craig’s love of golf connected him with many. Family and friends often visited to play golf outings Craig planned in the Triangle area. Annual golf weekends in Myrtle Beach were shared with high school friends and a wide net of social friends. John Deere friends and retirees enjoyed Craig’s easygoing manner and competitive spirit on the golf links.
Craig and Brenda enjoyed beach trips and time in the sun. The highlight of his week was Friday evening sipping a margarita on his deck, listening to music and enjoying the sunset with Brenda.
Craig was active leader the golf committee of Hedingham community. He was involved in the organization of charity events at Hedingham golf club.
Funeral services are being planned at Vandemore Funeral Home Geneso IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Martins
May 28, 2010
Craig was a a very good man, he always was willing to help everyone. Craig is/will be sorely missed by his JD co-workers. My prayers are with you. Barbara Taswell-Miller
Ottis Johnson
May 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sherri Culver
May 26, 2010
My prayers are with your family. I worked with Craig on several projects and got to know him over many years. I was saddened to hear of his loss just this morning. May your great memories carry you through this difficult time.
Sherri Culver, Michael Walker Adv.
Jim McCarthy
May 26, 2010
My prayers are with your family.
Jim Barnett
May 25, 2010
My prayers are with your family through this great loss. I worked with Craig on the Ready-to-Mow project. You will be in my thoughts.
Jim Barnett The Knapheide Manufacturing Company
Kathy Kircher
May 25, 2010
Brenda and family,
I was saddened to learn of Craig's untimely and too young passing. He was definitely a vibrant personality and spirit. He was always friendly and had a big smile. I knew him from working at the KC Branch.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of his family, and especially you Brenda. May your memories always be good ones - hold them dear to your heart. They will help your heart mend.
Sincerely,
Kathy (Johnston) Kircher
Mark Dold
May 24, 2010
Dear Brenda,
All of us are saddened by the loss of our friend Craig. I came across this quote earlier in the week. When I heard it I kept thinking about it, not knowing why. I realize now there was a reason, a special meaning and message for all of us. I think this quote described Craig and the type of person he was and why he meant so much to all of us. “The daily round in the office, in the factory, at home, can lead to holiness, because holiness consists in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” - Cardinal Hume.
Craig was a good and loving husband, a son that honored his father and mother, a brother that was strong for his siblings and a positive role model and mentor to the next generation of the Martins Family, the many nieces and nephews. Craig was a good example to the many people he came into contact with on a daily basis. He was strong and unflappable. He possessed a rare quality of "poise and grace under fire". He taught us alot through his consistent, daily example. While we are saddened by his loss we rejoice his life. I am sure he sees us all today. He will assure us in little ways that will be apparent and will guide us with a gentle hand, touch our hearts and bring a smile to our faces in the days to come. We are all better people for knowing and having Craig as a friend.
Linda Gillet
May 24, 2010
We are sorry for your great loss. We have fond memories from high school. We will pray for your families. Peter and Linda Gillet
Michael O'Brien
May 24, 2010
My condolences are with you during this difficult time. I just met Craig last fall as he and I became Service Part Managers. He was always very welcoming, easy-going, and very easy to talk to. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Delores Jones
May 23, 2010
Craig will truly be missed, I worked with Craig in Des Moines, and Raleigh. Brenda our prayers are with you and your family - we know you were the love of his life. May God comfort you in your time of need.
Hansel & Delores Jones, Raleigh NC
Lainie H
May 23, 2010
Brenda, I worked with Craig at John Deere (in CCC) and he always spoke of you in so many kind ways. Many years ago, when I was at one of the John Deere events and had to get back safely to my hotel instead of walking at night he gave me a ride saying "that is what he hoped someone would do for his wife". He's someone I was always happy to run into at work due to his positive attitude and kindness. My husband still works at JD and I now work at a different company. I had the good fortune of being able to speak to your husband earlier just last week on the phone when he called to see if my company could help with the Pink Ribbon Racers event. I'm so saddened by this tragic loss of a really good man and my prayers go out to you and your family.
Jane & Steve Schwartz
May 23, 2010
We will all miss Craig's generosity with his time and energies, especially within his Hedingham community. He made things happen with excellent results, especially when it involved golf!
Our thoughts are with Brenda now. We sincerely wish for her a few rays of sunshine as she fravels a new path. Brenda, don't forget all you have to do is go out your front door to reach the comfort of friends and neighbors.
Mary & Bob Plumley
May 23, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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