Craig A. Phinney
August 5, 1958 - February 15, 2023

Craig Alan Phinney, son of Morton T. Phinney and Elsie V. Bitterman was born August 5, 1958, in Mitchell, South Dakota and passed from this life at his home on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 64 years of age.

He graduated from Sheldon High School in Sheldon, Iowa.  He began working as a dispatcher at the age of 18 and became an officer at the age of 19.  He served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves from October of 1984 until retirement for the Air Force Reserves in August of 2008, serving in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and served as a K-9 handler.  He was an officer for the Manning Police Department prior to the Ankeny Police Department from 1988 until his retirement in 2013, he worked as a K-9 officer and detective during those years.  During that time he worked several details with the Secret Service including Presidential details and Vice Presidential details, and also a detail to cover the Pope during his United States visit.  He served a total of 35 years in law enforcement.  

Craig was united in marriage to Shirley Teresa Day on October 6, 2001, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny, IA, they moved to their home in the country near new Virginia, Iowa in January of 2019.  Craig was a member of the United States Police Canine Association, North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA). and he worked with many K-9 officers across the state.

Craig enjoyed the outdoors, camping, traveling, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family, he could play the organ by ear, just hearing a song one time he could sit down and play.  Following being diagnosed with cancer himself, Craig and Shirley started Cops Against Cancer, an organization to help other cancer patients with their journey while dealing with cancer, they have helped over 1500 families across Iowa.  This journey led Craig to become a Life Coach and helped families find their "cheerleader" to help them through their journey with cancer.   

Craig was a member of the New Life Lutheran Church in Norwalk, Iowa and enjoyed fellowship with the men's group at the church. Craig was very patriotic and a proud veteran.   He will be greatly missed.

Those relatives who preceded Craig in death were his parents, Morton and Elsie Phinney and brother, Doug Phinney.

Craig leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Shirley Phinney of New Virginia, IA, brother, Harlan (Carol) Phinney of Mitchell, SD, sister, Judy (Lyle) Kauffman of Aurora, CO, his fur children, 3 dogs, Caitlyn, Maya, and Dakota and 3 cats, Dottie, Fiesty,  and Millie as well as several nieces & nephews, other relatives and many many friends.

Memorial services will be held at the New Life Lutheran Church in Norwalk, on Tuesday February 21, 2023, at 11:00 am with Rev. Nathan Liedtke officiating.

His family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, February 20, 2023, at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola.  Interment will follow in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa with full Air Force honors at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a memorial fund set up with the Community First Credit Union in Indianola. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com