Dr. Craig Barr

Dr. Craig David Barr, 69, of Bellevue, NE, formerly Council Bluffs, IA, passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2024.

Craig was born in San Antonio, TX, on July 7, 1955 to Stanley and Donna (Pederson) Barr. He grew up with his four siblings in Wisconsin and spent the majority of his childhood in New Richmond. His fondest childhood memories included fishing, hunting, and family road trips. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and participated in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. Craig enlisted in the US Air Force in 1974 and served as an E4 Senior Airman until 1977 at Offutt Air Force Base. Craig went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He then enrolled in medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his doctorate in internal medicine graduating summa cum laude. 

During Craig's internship at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI, he met the love of his life, Kathy (Anderson). The whirlwind romance began in October of 1983, and they were married on January 28, 1984 in Chaseburg, WI. Their 40 year marriage began in Madison, WI, where their first child, Alyssa, was born. Craig’s residency moved them to Marshfield, WI, where Amy was born. Craig practiced medicine for a year in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He then accepted a position in Council Bluffs, IA, in 1988. Amber was born shortly thereafter. Craig thoroughly enjoyed serving his patients at Bluffs Family Healthcare, Jennie Edmundson Hospital, and Mercy Hospital for more than a decade. He entered into early retirement due to a medical condition resulting in disability. 

Craig loved all things nature. His favorite vacations with Kathy and the girls were to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Door County, WI. Craig loved animals, and he held a particularly special place in his heart for his last cat, Rascal. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July and his fireworks always stole the show. He was an avid football fan and loved cheering on his Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. He never missed a game. His hobbies included reading, technology, finance, mathematics, photography, movies, birdwatching, and gardening. 

 Craig’s three girls meant the world to him. After years of being called dad, he found a new joy in being known as grandpa. He treasured his time with visits from his kids and grandkids. He often joked that the grandkids were always welcome as long as the visits weren’t too long. He looked forward to his frequent facetime calls with his kids and grandkids as well. Craig adored his wife, Kathy. No matter the obstacle, their love held strong for over 40 years.

 Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Donna Barr, sister, Michelle Barr, nephew, Alex Nuber, and many beloved kitties. 

 Craig is survived by his wife, Kathy, his daughters, Alyssa (Bruce) De Haan, Amy (Joseph) Grady, and Amber Barr, his grandchildren, Joseph, Samuel, Benjamin, and Simon De Haan, Clayton, Cooper, Cashton, Corbin, and Callie Grady, and grandkitty Bella, sister Kellie (Paul) Nuber, brothers Terry (Irina) Barr and Brian (Jill) Barr, and many more nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

 We would love for you to join us in remembering and celebrating his life. Visitation will be from 3:30-4:30pm at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Memorial Service with military honors will follow at 4:30pm.

Craig will always be remembered for his remarkable intelligence, steadfast devotion to his patients throughout his medical practice, quick wit, kindness, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. Though we will miss him dearly, his memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.