Craig L. Cross

Craig Lynn Cross, 72, of Haldane, IL, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2025. Born in Des Moines, IA, on May 1, 1953. Craig was a 1971 graduate of Guilford High School and went on to graduate from Illinois State University in 1977 with his teaching degree.

Craig started his career at Monmouth Grade School, teaching 6th-grade for 2 years, and went on to retire from Byron School as a 1st-grade teacher after 33 years. While being a teacher, Craig also coached Girls' Volleyball and Basketball. He would also give motivational speeches to the Football team. He was very dedicated to the kids and put all his heart and soul into his job.

Craig enjoyed the arts; he loved painting and was a Director/Producer of Poetry Theatre (particularly Shel Silverstein’s collection, and a favorite being “The Giving Tree” as an allegory of his life). He was also an avid gardener and arborist.

Craig was a humble and gracious Christian man. He loved his family and friends. He enjoyed staying in constant contact with his siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as Uncles, Aunts, and cousins. He had a strong faith, reading his Bible every morning with coffee, and would spend at least one hour daily in prayer. His first-grade students loved him, and several stayed in contact with him throughout the years. He enjoyed gardening, his grove of trees, and enjoying the outdoors. He spent time with a special group of friends he had had since high school. His friendships with fellow retired teachers were time-proven, tested, and reflected in his contact and activities with them over the decades since retirement. Craig will be missed greatly and leaves a void that will be impossible to fill.

Craig is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Stressman; brother, Greg Bachman; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; cherished friend and chosen brother, Dan Stahl. Predeceased by his mother, Alice Mae Alexander; brothers, Jerry Cross, Tom Cross, and Paul Stressman.

There are no services planned at this time.

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