Belvidere, IL

John George Craig, 96, of Belvidere, Illinois, died suddenly Saturday, July 8,2017 while tending to the Serenity Garden at the First United Methodist Church, Belvidere, Illinois.

He was born on February 22,1921 to Charles G. and Ethel (Speck) Craig in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Baptized in the Presbyterian Church Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

He started his career with the local utilities on May 21, 1944, which at that time was known as Illinois Northern Utilities. World War II interrupted his career. He served in the US Army 1942 and 1943. After his discharge, he returned to the utilities, which became Public Service Company, Commonwealth Edison, and now Excelon. He retired on February 22, 1983, completing 42 years of service.

HE married Ruth E. Coan, who survives, on January 10, 1946, in the Methodist Parsonage in Sycamore, Illinois. Predeceasing John were his parent, two brothers (C. James Craig and Fred William Craig), son John Charles Craig. Surviving are his daughter, Susanne (Lawrence) Wallen, and grandchildren, Dan (Pam) Wallen, James (Elke) Wallen, Mary (Bob) Wichter, Jennifer Stai, Michelle (Matt) Dukes, David (Rebecca) Craig, Jesse L Craig, daughter-in-law Mary L Craig, 7 great-grandchildren, Jason Green, Catherine Green, Parker Stai, John S Craig, Joseph C Craig, Thomas A Craig, 3 step great-grandchildren and special nieces and nephew, Tamara (Joe) Hendricks, Michael(Jill) Craig, and Carol(Kevin) Cregeen and several great nephews and nieces.

John was active in Boy scouts as a child and an adult. He was scout master of Troop 125, Belvidere, for many years, receiving many scouting awards. As a child, he loved to ice skate, roller skate, street hockey, hunting and fishing. As an adult he loved fishing, gardening, working with children and spending time with family. And finally the Cubs won the World Series for him!

John was always willing to assist other, but preferred not to be publicly acknowledge for any of that service. His happiness lay in acts of kindness. He died as he lived, helping others.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 13,2017 in First United Methodist Church, 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 10:45 am prior to service. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 12,2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008.  Burial will be in Belvidere Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial may be given to the church in memory of John. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com