Heidi Craig

It is with sad hearts that the family of Heidi Craig announces the passing of our mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.Heidi, 74, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2015, after she succumbed to her battle with cancer.Heidi left us peacefully while under the care of Heartland Hospice and the caring people at the Bickford Cottage Assisted Living.Heidi was born August 22, 1940 to Willi and Elisabeth Wilke in East Germany where the family escaped and moved to Battle Creek in 1958.She married Donald Craig on September 7th, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana and then returned to Battle Creek where she was a homemaker working a short time for GHS Strings and raising their two daughters Christina (Garry Mees) of Battle Creek and Donna (Wayne Halferty) of Scotts, MI. Donald preceded her in death on April 22, 2012.Heidi was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gerhard and Lothar Wilke, and her husband Donald Craig. Heidi is survived by her daughters, her sister Christel Cornett, three grandchildren, Amanda Cory, Connor Halferty, and Michael Halferty, nieces, nephews, and extended family.Heidi was a loving, devoted mother and wife who enjoyed spending time with family and always made the holidays a very special time. She loved to fish with Don and they went on many trips to Alaska, always catching the biggest fish where ever they went. She also enjoyed going to auctions where she bought many collectables and useful items for her family. Her time at home was spent making crocheted blankets that were donated to nursing homes and safe place. She entered her collections and blankets at the Calhoun County fair and won many awards and even qualified for the State fair. She loved raising a vegetable garden, canning, and tending to her flower garden.Visitation will take place at the Craig Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 North, on Sunday March 1, 2015 from 12noon -2pm with a memorial service taking place at 1pm. Family will gather with friends following the memorial service at the Kempf Funeral Home Reception Hall. A private burial will take place at a later date and internment will be at Floral Lawn, Battle Creek, MI.In lieu of flowers anyone wishing to contribute in the memory of Heidi Craig may do so to The Cancer Center of Battle Creek or SAFE Place of Battle Creek. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.