Obituaries : Rev. Allen C. Craft

Rev. Allen C. Craft, 69, of La Porte City, died on Friday, August 8, 2025, in La Porte City.

He was born on September 19, 1955, in Waterloo, the son of Duane and Joann (Wilt) Craft. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1974. He attended Iowa State University and later completed 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.

Allen married Joyce Shelton on February 4, 1978, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City.

He was a farmer, tending to his family's farm near La Porte City for many years. He also retired as the pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City, as well as serving the churches in Colesburg, Lamont-Aurora and Eldora during his time as a pastor.

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 regards by his family, friends, church members, and professionals. Above all, he loved and cherished his family, especially his adoring wife, Joyce.

Allen is survived by his wife, Joyce Craft of La Porte City; three children, Dan (Jen) Craft, Laura (Allen) Mast, and Chris (Anni) Craft, all of La Porte City; six grandchildren, Willa, Finn, Briar, Hinley, Laney, and Ashton; two sisters, Deb (Lee) Rottinghaus of Jesup, and Angie (Mike) Reinert of Marion; a sister-in-law, Kathy Ott of Cedar Falls; his grandmother, Sue Craft of Prescott, Ariz.; and many other loved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Joyce's parents, Don and Mabel Shelton; and a nephew, Ben Rottinghaus.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City. Memorial visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, La Porte City. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul United Methodist Church or a memorial fund to be established in Allen's name. To leave condolences and for more information, visit www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke in La Porte City, 606 E. Main Street, is assisting the family. Locke in La Porte City, 319-342-3131.