Craig Smith

Craig Aaron Smith

February 17, 1963 – December 24, 2025

Craig Aaron Smith died peacefully at home on December 24, 2025, after living for 3 ½ years with a HGAP astrocytoma brain tumor. Described as an aggressive tumor, only recently classified before his diagnosis, we began preparing for the inevitable. Craig gifted his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.

Craig will be remembered, for the rest of our lives, as a man of faith, a smart man, a loving man. His character, defined by his kindness, loyalty, humility, left an indelible mark on all who loved and knew him.

After family, Craig was most proud of his banking career. Following his ISU graduation from the program now known as Agricultural Studies his path started at Marengo Savings Bank in 1985. In the next year he began a successful 38 year term with Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company. Extended education included Iowa School of Banking and Graduate School of Banking in Colorado. He retired early 2025 as Executive VP and CFO, remaining on the Board of Directors until recently. His service activity included Kiwanis (Marengo), clerkship of the Linn Co Fire District, Lisbon Community School Foundation, Lions Club and Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. He was a lifelong member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Always with family and friends Craig worked hard and played hard. Softball in the early years, golfing forever, fishing, canoeing, camping, homebrewing, bicycling, 500 card group, pickleball, boating especially in Guttenberg, discovering Americana singers & songwriters, family travels, and everything about the Iowa State Cyclones.

Craig is survived by his wife, Jean; pooch, Barley; son, Collin and fiancé Madelyn Irwin; mother, Leona Smith (Bill Faoro); sisters, Monica (Benton) Frey, Trish Smith, Tammy (Pete) Elgin, and Brenda Smith; sisters and brothers-in-law; Judy Frauenholtz (Gary Appleby), Rita (Larry) Jamison, Dean (Jean) Frauenholtz, Allen (Danette) Frauenholtz, Elaine (Roger) Brown, and Wayne Frauenholtz; and oodles of nieces and nephews.

Immediate family is now reunited with Craig for eternity, daughter, Adrienne; father, Dudley Smith; parents-in-law, Dorothy (Ray) Frauenholtz; brother-in-law, Ed Frauenholtz; and sister-in-law, Jane Frauenholtz.

Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, with visitation 8:00-11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a contribution through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Craig and Jean Smith Family Fund. Or if you wish you may choose to plant a tree in Craig’s honor. Or simply a toast.

Our love for Craig will live forever in wonderful memories. We don’t get to choose who stays, practice kindness.