Craig Allan Ira

Craig Allan Ira, 67, died on Thursday October 10th, 2024. Craig was born on January 12, 1957 in Wichita, KS to parents Bill and Winnie Ira. Craig had two older sisters, Pamela and Paula (d.). Craig was a busy, adventurous child with a vivid imagination. He was a gifted student athlete and excelled in swimming, track and basketball. Craig graduated from Heights High School in 1975 and went on to pursue his associates degree and certification as a Registered Nurse. His quick mind and affinity for high pressure situations made him a natural fit for critical care nursing. For 42 years Craig worked in Surgical, Cardiac and General Intensive Care units in hospitals in Kansas and California. He returned to school at Kansas Newman University to complete his degree in Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1995. Craig was thrilled to be accepted as a nurse anesthetist student at Friends University and devoted himself to education and ongoing professional excellence. 

While he was always a dedicated professional, Craig spent his off hours pursuing the vibrant, epicurean pleasures of life. A car connoisseur, he loved powerful sports cars and rarely missed an opportunity to test the engine’s limits. He was “King of the Grill,” and spent hundreds of hours finessing the world’s best steak. He could even be found standing on the patio in the snow, mid-winter, cooking that evening’s next sirloin. His love of food was the last part of him to remain through his Alzheimer’s disease. No matter how he was feeling, he would never turn down a chocolate milkshake, jalapeño chips, or a handful of blueberries. He was a musician who played the guitar and sang in the All God’s Children Choir in the 70’s. 

Craig was a gifted potter who created beautiful pottery bowls, vases and mugs. During his time working in California, he developed a deep attachment to the ocean. One of his great loves was walking along the beach and listening to the sound of the waves, outside of his window, as he fell asleep each night. Craig cared deeply for his family and decorated his home with their photos. He was known for his many voicemails full of affection to his children; Rachael, Elisabeth and Benjamin, his sister, Pam, and his nieces, nephews, and friends. Above all else, Craig loved Jesus as his Savior and Lord. When Craig became passionate about his faith in college, he committed himself fully to his spiritual development. Craig led Bible studies, discipled friends and spent hours studying scripture. He always had a pocket full of Chick Tracts to hand to strangers as he went about his day. He was a fervent intercessor and could be counted on to carry friends’ and families’ cares to the Cross. 

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Winnie Ira, his sister, Paula, and his son-in-law, Micah Flick. Craig is survived by his children Rachael (Micah d.), Elisabeth (Richard) and Benjamin (Emily), his grandchildren, Eliana, Levi, Forrest, Vincent, Olivia and Isaac, His sister Pamela (Ralph), Niece Lisa (Jason), and Nephew, Chris. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 pm, Thursday, Oct. 17, at Faith Community Church, 1750 N. Gow, Wichita, KS, with viewing beginning at 12:00 pm. The burial will be at 3:30pm, following services, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. The family enjoys flowers. Gifts for end of life costs may be sent to https://gofund.me/89b6d722.