Craig was born in Morrison, IL, in 1957 to Arnold and Louise Stralow. Craig graduated from Morrison High School, was a member of the FFA, and attended Sauk Valley Junior College. Craig owned and operated Craig Stralow Excavating for 27 years and farmed alongside his dad and brother on the family farm for most of his life, farming the family farm solo for the last 15 years. Craig attended Crossroads Community Church in Morrison, IL. He was a very active member of his church and served on multiple committees. He started the men’s portion of Celebrate Recovery in Morrison. He also volunteered his time and equipment for the demolition derby at the Whiteside County Fair for many years.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Louise Stralow, and his sister, Marcia Stralow.
Craig is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Stralow; son, Chad Beldin (Amanda Beldin); stepdaughter, Patricia Imel; stepson, Steven Morris (Kjerstina Morris); grandchildren, Kennedy Beldin, Kelsea Beldin, Kamryn Beldin, Ashlyn Imel, Brock Imel, Cayden Hill, Dominik Morris, and Arianna Morris; brother, Mark Stralow (Karen Stralow); and nephews, Nathan Stralow (Erica Stralow) and Justin Stralow (Angela Stralow).
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church in Morrison. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Jon Eastlick officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.
A memorial has been established to Crossroads Community Church in Morrison.
