Richard L. Craig
Obituary's Biography:
Richard L. Craig, 87, a resident of Grayslake, Illinois passed away on July 20, 2025. He was born to the late James and Hallie Craig on May 8, 1938, in Highland Park, Illinois.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Barbara, and his brother Norman.
Dick is survived by his four children; Kerry (Terry) Miller, Lori (Jan Frank) Rische, Ken (Anne) Craig, Kelly (Shawn) Kirby; his grandchildren; Marcus (Robin) Miller, Maddy (Matt) Czerwinski, Connor Miller, Trent Miller, Shane (Bianca) Rische, Brent Rische, Angie Ranck, Jessica (Elias) Ramirez, Betsy (Paulo) Alfonso, Mandy (Jon) Gregory, Jenny (Tom) Galloway, Cole Kirby and Kate Kirby; and his great-grandchildren Georgia, JP, Allie, Marshall, and Eli; as well as his nephew and nieces.
Dick, a 1956 graduate, met his sweetheart, Barbara Holmberg at Grayslake High School. They married during his college years at the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in Industrial Design. He began his career as a designer with ECKO Products and later became one of the founders and president of Exhibit by Design. He was an active member of the United Protestant Church, and the Grayslake Lions Club.
A passionate and creative spirit, he brought vision and perfection to everything he touched.
Dick, an adventurous soul, had great enthusiasm for life, enjoyed camping, traveling, dining, and cheering on his Illini. Among his favorite places was his summer home on Chambers Island, a treasured retreat, where he enjoyed companionship and laughter with family and friends.
Above all, Dick cherished his family. They were his pride, his purpose, and his greatest joy.
A visitation will be held July 28, 2025 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL, 60030 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held July 29, 2025 at the United Protestant Church 54 S.Whitney St. Grayslake, IL 60030 at 10:30 a.m. Donations in the memory of Dick Craig, can be made to the Chorideremia Research Foundation curechm.org , Parkinson’s Foundation parkinson.org, United Protestant Church of Grayslake upcgl.org
For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.
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As soon as I met Dick, I knew I could tell that he was someone special. He welcomed me into his home, his family, his laughter. Most of all, he treated everyone as he would every member of the family; with love, kindness, and all heart. He will be deeply missed.
Dick was a great friend of 44 years and a wonderful business partner of 25 years. I have so many memories and stories of Dick and Barb I wouldn’t know where to begin. He will be greatly missed in this world by his beautiful family but I know he’s with Bab’s and Jesus and that gives me comfort. Godspeed my old friend.
What a loss to the family. Uncle Dick was such a great soul. I always remember the summer dinners at there house in Grayslake and the great times running around in the yard thank you. You all are in my thoughts.
My heart goes out to the whole family. My deepest sympathies on the passing of Dick . My husband Lee and I have had many wonderful conversation with him, he has always been the kindest of men. Myself and my family have had the great fortune of knowing Dick and his wife Barb for over 30 years.We’ve always been thought of and welcomed as part of their family which I am so grateful for. What a legacy he leaves behind by a beautiful , large extended family that will carry on the traditions that have been put in place. You are now reunited with the love of your life Barb, as it should be. Rest in peace Dick, you will be missed.
Mr. Craig was my next door neighbor while I grew up on Hawley Court. He and Mrs. Craig were both kind people. Later on in life, I was in need of a display for a small business that I ran out of my home. Mr. Craig let me use one of his displays at no cost. Just be of many examples of his kindness. My prayers go out to the Craig family. May God rest his soul.
I grew up next door to the Craig family. I treasure the memories and friendships. After moving back to Grayslake last year, Mr. Craig and I had a number of opportunities to say hello. I enjoyed every visit and every talk. I’m so sad that he has passed but am so happy we were able to connect as friends again. I know Mrs. Craig and he are together and I mourn with the family and friends.
We offer our sincere condolences to the Craig family. Dick was among the finest persons we’ve ever known. He was the head of a large and extended family, and with his wife Barbara created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for many gatherings. We will be forever grateful for his kindness, and for his entire family for sharing so many meaningful celebrations that will remain in our hearts forever.
My heart goes out to Dick’s family.
I’m a neighbor down at #22.
Our neighborhood is wonderful and full of genuine and caring people.
Dick was one of those.
When he would come down to the park, he would sit on the bench overlooking the lake and, seemingly, reflect on the day and those gone by.
Any time Debra and I would see him there we would go out with a bottle of water and enjoy his company.
He’s told us about his passion being the island house. It sounded wonderful and I had hoped one day to visit and spend some time with Dick.
He also told us about his business, and it sounded like he really enjoyed it.
What he most enjoyed though, was having his family come to his house.
We would be on our way out, or back, and quite often there would be a plethora of vehicles at his home – and it made me smile knowing he had many caring family members around.
We will miss Dick – very much.
So sorry for your loss.
Rest well Mr. Craig!
Thank you for being a friend.
Dick was clearly a devoted and loyal Family Man who was blessed to be surrounded by many loving children, sons in laws, grandchildren and even great grandkids. Having only known Dick and His Dear Wife Barbara from Chambers Island, I knew little of his business career and design engineering talents. Though to survive and thrive on Chambers Isle as Dick and his large family have, one should have some creative engineering talents which clearly he did and am afraid to admit I lack!!
Dick was a quiet and determined gentleman. He exuded sincerity. When he rarely spoke at our island annual meetings you knew it was important and worth listening too. On the weekend of his passing he had made the supreme effort to attend what would have been his last CIA Meeting with his life Long Island friends, Larry and Barb Laske. I was honored to have the coincidence to spend quality time at the docks with Dick, the Laskes and his devoted son-in-law Terry, the evening before his stroke here in Chambers Isle.
By his valiant efforts to attend another Island Association Meeting, Dick has given me another lesson in devotion and determination. My sincere condolences to his Loving and Caring Family. Robo