Craig Allen Magee

Craig A. Magee, 76, of Waterloo, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital, Waterloo.

He was born May 11, 1948, in Waterloo, the son of Armour "A.R." and Thelma (Chase) Magee. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1967. He attended Hawkeye Tech and went on to obtain a BA in Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa.

Craig married Pattie Scheel on October 16, 1976, at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War beginning in 1968 and received an honorable discharge from active duty in 1972 as a sergeant. He then served in the Iowa Army National Guard for an additional 23 years. He participated in the 2022 honor flight. His daughter, Tiffany, had the honor of accompanying him. He was very proud of his country, his service, and was a reverent patriot.

He worked for John Deere as a tractor mechanic for 34 years, retiring from PEC in August of 2008. He continued his love of fixing tractors, working part-time for Diedrich in North Cedar for several years before his official retirement in 2020.

Craig was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo, UAW Local 838, and Waterloo American Legion Post #138. He was also a member of the fire brigade at John Deere.

Holiday Lake held a special place in Craig's life and over the years many memories were made there, including meeting and proposing to Pattie, and enjoying lake life with family and friends.

Craig also enjoyed classic muscle cars and traveling. He and his friends made a yearly pilgrimage to Elkhart Lake for many years and took in the races at the Road America track. He was truly a man who was up for anything.

Above all, Craig adored his loving wife, Pattie, his children, and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of profound love, joy, and adventure. He will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Pattie Magee of Waterloo; four children, Shannan (Matt) Anfinson of Las Vegas, NV, Tiffany (Joe) Dent of Phoenix, AZ, Andrea Magee of Waterloo, and Chad Magee of Eau Claire, WI; and six grandchildren, Madisyn, Olivia, Julia, Kainen, Isaac, and Zoe. Later in life, Craig discovered and connected with his biological family, and is also survived by three half-brothers, Jim (Brenda) Sammons, Tom (Nancy) Sammons, and Jeff Sammons.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Rena (Fike) Magee; a brother, Paul Magee; a stepbrother, Don Fike; a half-brother, Kevin Sammons; and a half-sister, Karla Hoffman.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., with burial at Waterloo Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Military honors will be conducted by the Iowa Army National Guard funeral honor guard. A recording of the full military honors from the cemetery will be posted after the committal services on Saturday. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024; also, for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, 319-233-3146.