Craig Michael Iwinski

Craig Michael Iwinski 1948—2009
Craig found eternal rest on June 3, 2009. He was born in Milwaukee on February 26, 1948 to the late Chet and Lorraine Lemanski Iwinski.
At the age of seventeen Craig enlisted in the army. Arriving in Vietnam in March of 1966, Craig soon headed to Than Sa Nhut, where he was assigned to the Army Material Command, attached to MACV headquarters. It was there that we worked for General William Westmoreland, earning the Army Commendation Medal for his service. Sniper fire and mortar attacks were constant as the horrors of war played out on a daily basis. Craig’s first tour ended in the spring of 1967; however he would return for a second tour of duty barely one year later.
In March 1968 Craig arrived in Saigon during the Tet Offensive, witnessing the destruction of a city he knew from his previous tour. After being assigned to the wrong unit, Craig eventually returned to the Military Assistance Command. What once were mortar attacks now became rocket attacks as the carnage of war intensified. At the end of Craig’s second tour he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and would be awarded four additional medals for his service. He returned to Milwaukee in September 1968 and was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1971..
While Craig’s life was forever altered by his experiences in Vietnam, this was only a segment of his life’s journey. In April 1970 he married Andrea Gliniecki, and would have two sons: Daniel and Michael.. Settling in Greenfield, he worked as a manager for First Wisconsin Bank in Milwaukee. Although life changes led to physical distance from his family, he always remained with them.
The complexity of Craig’s life cannot be defined by any one event. Although there were many struggles, in the end he leaves a legacy of someone who intensely cared about others, and one who sacrificed for his country. His was fascinating to talk to, and his creativity, interests, and intellect will be remembered.
Craig is survived by Andrea Iwinski and their sons Daniel Cheryl and Michael; his brother Curtis, sisters Sandra, Jody, Lorrie, and Teresa; brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. His sons would like to thank his sister Sandra for her devotion and care over the past several years. Craig will be interred at Union Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

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