Craig Allen Pettit, 59, of Waterloo, left the world a quieter place Friday, January 20, 2023, while doing Mr. Craig things at West High School. He was born on May 6, 1963, in Iowa City, the son of Donald and Evelyn Nielsen Pettit. Craig married his Love of a Lifetime, Kara Hertzenberg on June 3, 1995, and life for him changed for the better. He served the Waterloo School District as custodian at Kingsley Elementary School for 5 years and West High School for 22 years. To his school community he was Mr. Craig.

Craig was perhaps the loudest, most unconventional, and fun-loving man the world has ever met, and within him was a heart of gold. He loved his family and made it a point to be present in his children's lives, even when he was working second shift. Craig knew what it meant to be a family and demonstrated that family is more than genetics. As a hardworking man, Craig taught his children work ethic. Each one of his children has a trait learned from Craig, and the lessons were intentional. Building rapport with troubled students at his school was his specialty and many have expressed that Mr. Craig changed their lives.

Craig had many quirks, some of which are crass enough that they cannot be expressed in public. But some can. He would say "Your mother may be deaf, but I have 20/20 ears." "If you need to go to sleep, just think black." He was a well-oiled machine who also made it a point to make certain the world had no doubt that he loved his wife, Kara. To his grandchildren, Craig was the best Beepa or Brampa anyone could wish for. He made the world's best fried chicken, even if he could not cook anything else. Craig was an avid follower of live music and is now jamming with Eddie VanHalen and Olivia Newton John. He was an honorary member of the Bomb Squad.

Craig is survived by his wife Kara of Waterloo; children Amber Pettit of Waterloo, Dani (Katie Schad) Relaz of Trevor, WI, Stephany Pettit of Waverly, Michael (Devan Mendralla) Relaz, of Waterloo, Alex (Megan) Pettit of Waterloo, and Sabrina Relaz of Waterloo; five grandchildren, Lily, Sylas, Logan, Jackson, and Theo, plus baby Savannah, who is on the way; a sister and three brothers; several fur grandbabies, especially Puck; extended family; and many friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Tiffany Pettit; his parents; sister, Kim, sister-in-law, Lela; and mother-in-law, Trudi.

A "Craig Pettit-See You On The Other Side" celebration will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. As a show of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Lori's Dream Team or the Cedar Bend Humane Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.