September 19, 1955 - August 8, 2025

Allen Craig Craft was born on September 19th, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Duane and Joanne (Wilt) Craft. The bouncing baby boy came home to the farm to meet his big sister Deb and it seems that's really where the trouble began.

Farm kids, in general, have plenty of stories best kept secret from their mothers-for the sake of their sanity and their hearts. Unfortunately for Joanne, she probably knew too many.

As we move through these recollections, if you were there, or just think you remember it better, don't worry about it. Tell your version some other time.

The following is a list of times Dad lived to tell the tale, and one time that he didn't.

1960 - When Allen was 4 or 5 and Debbie a year older, the seed bags for planting were stacked up high in the garage - naturally they needed to climb it. As they crawled around and played, Allen slipped and fell, landing directly on an old airplane engine pipe that punctured a couple of inches into his little back. No one could quite remember if his tetanus shot was up to date, so to the doctor they went. A quick and grim examination found that the pipe had gone "straight through the fat and into the meat." This past winter Al was trying to trace the stories behind all of his scars and pointed out a faint one on his lower back that he didn't recall. We're fairly certain this is it.

About 1966 - Debbie and Allen, while the Cedar River was running high, took a walk along the bank and came across a rowboat. Looking around, not seeing anybody and not recognizing the boat, they decided to take it out onto the river. An unrecalled and indeterminate time into the voyage, the passengers realized there were no oars in the boat. In the quick current they drifted a good distance downstream before eventually managing to steer back to shore, pull the boat out, abandon the craft and walk themselves home. Wonder whose boat it was and if they found it again.

It was around this age that much of Debbie and Allen's free time started to get slightly more complicated. That's about when their little sister, Angie, got into the action, tagging along with the big kids. We figured the adventures slowed down with little Angie at their side... but maybe the three of them just got sneakier about it - or - better at keeping things quiet.

In 1968, around the age of 13, Allen was running the field cultivator near home as a storm rolled in. Standing on the platform of the John Deere A, he heard the sharp sizzle of lightning and felt a sudden slap on the back of the head. The next thing he knew, he had one foot on the platform and one on the axle and no idea how he'd gotten that way... regardless he hopped down and ran for the shop. Did he get struck or did it just strike really close? For some, an experience like that might lead to more caution during thunderstorms and eventually plenty of warnings to one's kids...but we literally just heard this story two days ago.

Throughout his teen years, it seems it was just one thing after another.

When Allen was 14, he had to make hay while the sun shined -and apparently also while he was coming down with the measles because, when they brought his lunch to the field, the poor guy was covered in spots.

Around 16, there was the time he had the backhoe on some uneven ground (exact location is up for debate) but it tipped on him. He was able to jump out the high side as it went over.

And yet another time after "really not feeling well" for a couple of days, he finally ended up at the hospital-and left without his appendix.

Teenage Allen would often pack his school books and trombone in the tractor to get to school. He'd leave the tractor and wagon at the co-op and walk the rest of the way or catch a ride with whoever happened by.

Speaking of trombones - Dad was totally in a band in high school and by all accounts, they were really very good. The band's most famous performance took place in the baskets of a ferris wheel over the streets of La Porte City. There was another show though, with a smaller audience, that had a more lasting impact.

In 1972, the Brass Addicts were hired to play a high school grad party just outside of town. It was there that the graduate's younger sister, Joyce Shelton, first laid eyes on Allen. Young Allen and Joyce crossed paths once or twice more over the years but it was in the summer of 1975, while home from his first year at Iowa State and cruising the strip, that Allen leaned out the window of his Torino to chat with Joyce in her Volkswagen:

'You want to go to a dance?"

"Oh... I don't think I'm dressed for it"

"You look great!"

Talk about foreshadowing. There are probably still a few people out there who haven't seen Joyce and Allen dance together, but not many.

The pair were married on February 4th, 1978 at St Paul's United Methodist Church in La Porte City in the middle of a blizzard. Pretty sure Al took the car into the ditch on the way to the reception. Of course.

Mom tried her best but seriously he just kept getting into shit.

August 20th, 1980, right around 7 a.m. The power had gone out in a storm the night before and the waterer wasn't working in the cattle lot. He needed to climb down into the dark well pit and had brought a lighter to see. Methane gas from the cattle lot had sunk into the pit and when the lighter lit, the gas exploded. He was able to climb up and out of the pit, somehow crossed the manure-filled lot, and got over the barbed wire fence to his pickup, losing fluids from the burns all over his arms. He made it to the nearest neighbor's door and an ambulance was called. Dad was in the hospital for 3 weeks with 2nd degree burns on his arms from the knuckles to the armpits. Allen couldn't hold their brand new baby - but little Danny spent a lot of time 'propped up' on Dad.

Summer of 1982. With baby Laura on the way, Allen and Joyce were adding an addition onto the small cabin they were living in. Al fell through the old roof and later, off of the new roof. No broken bones. No big deal.

Mid 80s. After their youngest child, Chris, was born, Allen had loaded all the fat cattle into the straight truck. One of the steers got turned around in the truck and headed back down the chute, so Allen jumped in to drive it forward. But the rest of the cattle also got turned around and began running into the chute. Allen fell and was trampled. Once the cattle had cleared, he managed to get up and climb out. His glasses had been knocked from his face and flattened and somehow he came out okay. (Mom was there for that one)

There was a close call on one of the Oliver tractors. Allen in the seat, Danny perched on the platform beside. As the tractor was running, a hydraulic hose burst and flames shot out from beneath the seat. Allen launched himself over the fender, hit the ground running and yanked Danny off the platform in one quick motion. Over fast and nobody hurt. And that's an Oliver for you.

Dad just didn't sweat the small stuff. A lot of times he didn't even sweat the big stuff. When his kids got old enough to start causing their own trouble, he kept it pretty level headed. Unless you wanted to slam a door and then you might lose that door for awhile. But he trusted us to get out of our own scrapes and when we couldn't, he'd grab the chain and pull us out of the ditch.

He was strong and a creative thinker. He was gentle and playful. He was doing air karate moves in the kitchen once with Dan and managed to break his toe. He loved music. He taught his kids to love music. Albeit not necessarily the same music. Allen was in an acapella group and a barbershop quartet - you might have gotten a singing valentine from him. The kind of guy to always just be hugging and kissing his wife while the kids made a face. He'd spin the cereal bowls onto the table before breakfast. He'd make the sugar bowl talk. He'd play the same 3 note tune on the piano over and over as we'd get out of bed at 6 a.m. before school and he'd sing "there she is...Miss America" as his daughter walked into the kitchen, half awake. Just really a lot of big energy in the mornings.

Dad's first concert was Three Dog Night. His mom called him buddy and fella. He had a firm handshake and gave a really warm hug. He'd do the Tim Allen grunt thing from Home Improvement. Like still. 30 years later. He got into wine...and making his own. Pastor Al's Cranberry Wine was a favorite and if you kept a bottle on the shelf too long he'd remind you that "you might want to get that one drank".

Allen went back to school at the University of Dubuque in 2008, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Dubuque in 2012. He went on to obtain a Master of Divinity through University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2014. He was ordained in 2016. He was Pastor Al in Colesburg, Lamont - Aurora, Eldora and back home in La Porte City in 2020, retiring in 2024. And that was all so wonderful. And we are all so proud of him. He grew in faith and fellowship and community. But to his kids, he wasn't a pastor. He was just dad. Funny. Flawed. Dependable.

Allen was a lifetime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City.

He was a kind and loving man with a gentle heart. He was held in the highest regard by his family, friends, church members, and professionals. Above all, he loved and cherished his family, especially his adoring wife, Joyce.

Allen died in the afternoon on Friday, August 8th, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce, three children, Dan (Jen) Craft, Laura (Allen) Mast, and Chris (Anni) Craft, all of La Porte City, and grandchildren, Willa, Finn, Briar, Hinley, Ashton, and Laney; two sisters, Deb (Lee) Rottinghaus of Jesup and Angie (Mike) Reinert of Marion; sister-in-law Kathy Ott of Cedar Falls; his grandmother Sue Craft of Prescott, AZ, and so many loved family members and friends. Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Joanne Craft and Joyce's parents, Don and Mabel Shelton, and a nephew, Ben Rottinghaus.

January 12, 1939 - December 2, 2024

  Karen K. Murley, 85, of rural Aurora, Iowa, died Monday, December 2, 2024, at Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa. A private family service will be held. Interment: Madison Township Cemetery, rural Aurora, Iowa. Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home, Winthrop, is assisting the family. 

  Karen Kay Reed was born January 12, 1939, in Manchester, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Ernest & Jean Viola (Smith) Reed. She graduated from Lamont High School in the class of 1956. Karen was united in marriage to Harlan Arthur Murley on November 12, 1956, at a U.S. Army Base in Japan while Harlan served. They made their home south of Aurora where they farmed together for many years. She operated Karen’s Custom Computing, a computerized farm record keeping service for many years. Karen also operated Murley Quality Pork, selling pork largely through farmers markets and throughout northeast Iowa. Karen had been attending Prairie Lakes Church in Independence. She was a member of the Lamont Methodist Church and Eunice Circle for many years. Earlier in life, Karen was a Cub Scout Den Mother, was a member of the 4-H Extension Council, Buchanan County Pork Producers, Farm Bureau and the 4T Neighborhood Club. Karen enjoyed planning her family educational vacations throughout the USA, gardening, sewing her young children’s clothing and Barbie doll clothes, hosting family events, genealogy, and providing her elder family members with caregiving. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Karen’s eyes would always light up when she saw her grandkids and great grandkids. Above all, Karen placed her faith in her heavenly father, knowing the promise of eternity. 

  Karen is survived by her Husband: Harlan Murley of Edgewood; 3 Children: Larry (Pam) Murley of Aurora, Sherylynne Murley-Allen of Greenacres, Washington & Kent Murley of Sequim, Washington; 4 Grandchildren: Melissa (Ed) Ludt, Kelly (Markie) Murley, Mark (Christa) Murley and Rebekkeh Allen; 11 Great Grandchildren; 2 Brothers: Jon (Diane) Reed of Marion & Doug (Pam) Reed of Urbandale and Nieces & Nephews. 

  Karen was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Lynne (Lee) Bowden, and son-in-law: Lon G. Allen

 Memorials may be directed in her name to Prairie Lakes Church of Independence, Grace United Methodist Church of Lamont or Care Initiatives Hospice.   Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Larry Murley 1516 Slater Avenue Aurora, Iowa 50607. 

May 11, 1942 - May 17, 2024

  Jon R. Downer, 82, of Lamont, Iowa, died Friday morning, May 17, 2024, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa.  Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont, with Pastor Lisa Schroeder officiating. Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00. P.M. Wednesday, May 22, 2024, and for one hour before the service on Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont. Interment: Union Cemetery, Putnam Township, rural Aurora, Iowa. 

  Condolences may be directed to the family at: 3486 30th Street, Lamont, Iowa 50650. Fawcett-Schmitz Funeral Home in Winthrop is assisting the family. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com  

  Jon Richards Downer was born May 11, 1942, in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Harold and Mary Maxine (Richards) Downer.  In 1960, he graduated from Lamont High School.  On January 25, 1964, he was united in marriage to Kaye Annette Reiling at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont.  This union was blessed with three children, Lisa, Gregory and Steven.  Jon was a longtime farmer in the Lamont area.  For many years he milked Holstein cows.  He served on the AMPI Board and Arlington Coop Board.  He was a proud member of the Lamont Coffee Shop Group and Grace United Methodist Church, both in Lamont.  Jon enjoyed milking cows, checking crops, discussing farming machinery, traveling, short winters in California, going out to eat, music and most of all his family.  

  Jon is survived by his wife: Kaye Downer of Lamont; daughter: Lisa (Keith) Douglas of Byron, Minnesota; son: Greg (Katy) Downer of Lamont; 1 grandson: Carter Jon Downer of Lamont; 2 step grandchildren: Austin (Jenny) Bissell of Blaine, Minnesota and Dakotah Bissell (Michael Hursey) of Oelwein; 2 great grandchildren: Sterling and Rosalie Hursey; nephew: Jim Downer of Lamont; and 2 cousins: Jim Humphry of Omaha, Nebraska and Dave Humphry of Dallas, Texas.  

  He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Maxine Downer; son: Steve Downer on November 10, 2021; and brother: Dick Downer. 

June 28, 1935 - February 16, 2024

  Ida Mae Harford, 88, of Ely, passed away on February 16, 2024, at Sunrise Hill Nursing Home in Traer, Iowa. Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Ely.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Cedar Rapids.  Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

  Ida was born on June 28, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Howard and Jean (Wescott) Bye.  She was raised in Cedar Rapids, where she attended Kenwood Park Grade School, graduated from Franklin High School in 1953.  Ida Mae was united in marriage to Lauren Leo Harford on November 7, 1953, in Cedar Rapids.  They lived in Cedar Rapids for several years until moving to Hudson, Wisconsin for a year, then Dundee, Iowa, and later to Lamont, Iowa in October 1966.  Following she moved to Ely, Iowa in August of 2022.  Lauren passed away January 11, 2001.  She belonged to the Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont, where she served as secretary for UMW, Ruth Circle, Staff Parish Relations Committee, helped with the Mobile Food Pantry and other church fundraisers. She was the President of Lamont Federated Garden Club. She was a member of the Ely Book Club and Quilting Club, and the Jolly Homemakers Club in Lamont.  Ida also volunteered at the Common Grounds Coffee House in Lamont, Lamont Legion Fish Fries.  She enjoyed NASCAR, attending races with her son Doug in Newton and Kansas City, watching professional football.  She loved horses and along with her daughter Charlie attending the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison and Breyer Fest in Lexington, Kentucky.

  Ida is survived by her children Raymond Harford, George (DeVonne) Harford, Charlotte “Charlie” (James) Zach and Doug Harford; six grandchildren Jennifer Witte, Justin Harford, Julie (Cass) Dietz, Maria (Paul) Yuska, Missy Harford and Pat (Misty) Harford; eight great-grandchildren Caitlin, Noah, David, Katarina, Gavin, Lincoln, Lilly and Sawyer; a great-great-grandchildren Easton; and her sister Carol Olver.

  She is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Jean Bye, her husband Lauren, a daughter-in-law Marian Harford, a special aunt Peggy Hergert, and a brother-in-law Jim Olver..

  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Lamont Volunteer Fire Department Foundation or Common Grounds in her name.