Mark Craft, 55, of Kalona, Iowa, is a beloved son, father, grandfather, and friend whose life has been defined by service, devotion, and deep love for his family. He passed from this life on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Veterans Health Administration in Iowa City. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. Burial with full military honors will follow at Morse Cemetery in Morse, Iowa. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 4 – 7 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for the Wounded Warrior Project. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mark was born to Don and Cheryl (Capps) Craft in Peoria, IL, on June 8, 1970. After graduating from City High School in 1988, he then went on to serve as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Mark proudly served his country with honor, including deployment for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. After the military, he went to Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ. His strength, discipline, and loyalty were hallmarks of his character, both in uniform and throughout his life.

Upon returning to Iowa, Mark spent almost 30 years working at Sinclair Tractor Supply in Kalona, where he built lasting relationships and was known for his reliability and work ethic. He was most recently employed at the Riverside Casino, where he continued to bring that same steady presence and dedication.

He was married to Sheri Craft for 30 years, and they raised 4 children together. In recent years, he found joy and companionship with his fiancée, Marcy, who has remained a steady and loving presence in his life.

He was happiest outdoors — hunting with his father and children, traveling especially during his vacations to the Bahamas and Hannibal, as well as getting to see his son married in Norway. Mark enjoyed taking on a fatherly role with Kinda, their foreign exchange student, and teaching her how to wrestle and archery.

Mark is deeply loved by those who survive him: fiancée Marcy Stout, Sons: Darren (Amy) Jenson, Shawn (Maiken) Jenson, Stefanie (Garrett) Souza, and Drew (Avery) Craft, his 4 grandchildren: Hailey, Zoey, and Mackenize Jenson, and Kayce Craft his mother Cheryl Craft, Sister Kalinda Knouse, and ex-wife Sheri Craft.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Don and sister Sherry Craft.

His legacy lives on in the strength of his family, the memories he created, and the example he set through service, resilience, and love.