1963-2026
Craig Eugene Hastings passed away due to complications from a sudden heart attack on Jan. 21, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on April 8, 1963, in Riceville, a few minutes after his twin brother, Craig came as a surprise to his parents, Verdina and Charles Hastings.
Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Kerry; his daughters, Corinne and Libby; his parents, Charles and Verdina; his brothers, Curt and Chris (Trudy); and many nieces and nephews. Craig was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck; his grandparents; and relatives.
Craig grew up in Jefferson and was a high school wrestling state qualifier. He went on to wrestle at Buena Vista College where he majored in math and chemistry. During his time at BV, Craig was also student body president, in the school band, and managed to meet and fall in love with his wife, Kerry. Craig went on to get his master’s degree in molecular biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He spent the majority of his career working for Pioneer Hy-Brid Seed Company, focusing his time on genetic engineering. Research he contributed to was published multiple times throughout his career, and Craig was proud to improve crops in countries that struggled with famine and food insecurity.
Craig was an avid reader and an advocate for access to education. He spent his free time working with St. Patrick Catholic School in Perry, where his children both attended, as the president of the school board, the secretary-treasurer for the St. Patrick’s Church Foundation, and as a counselor for families seeking financial aid as well as a member of the Des Moines Diocese School Board. Craig believed that anyone and everyone who wanted to learn deserved an education.
Craig was also a loving father and uncle. He would drop everything to be there for those he loved — all they had to do was ask. From attending every single event for his children to moving them in and out of never-ending apartments, he was always there. He was a seasoned storyteller, known for elaborating on a few details here and there, but he knew how to hold your attention. He loved rules and structure — more than his children or wife enjoyed at times.
Before succumbing to complications from his initial heart attack, Craig had a few days where he was able to share some final moments with his family. Between funeral home stories and funny memories, he raved about his daughters, his wife and his great, big family that he loved so dearly.
Craig donated organs that saved three lives, made tissue donations that will save countless others, and gave his heart to research. He was generous in life and in death, which brings his family light in the midst of this awful tragedy.
Craig’s family would like to thank the nurses, first responders and doctors that supported and cared for him in his final weeks. The family would especially like to thank Halli Weddle, Craig’s niece and an EMT who went out of her way to provide him additional care.
“The ones that love us never really leave us.” – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Iowa Public Radio in Craig’s honor.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Perry. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson. Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.