Craig William Clough

Craig was born on November 5, 1956, to Lawrence and Jessie “Polly” Clough in Davenport, Iowa. Following his graduation from Davenport Central High School he received his bachelor’s degree in music education from St. Ambrose University.

A lifelong musician and resident of the Quad Cities, Craig was known throughout the community for his skills as a multi-instrumentalist playing the piano, organ, tuba, upright bass, as well as having a knack for picking up any instrument and being able to play it. A talented vocalist, he spent many years as a musical director for numerous churches, school, and barbershop choruses. He also played with the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra, in shows at Circa 21, and the Quad City Wind Ensemble. Craig loved helping celebrate joyous and spiritual times, playing for weddings and funerals. He attended St. John Lutheran Church in East Moline and Bettendorf Presbyterian Church also acting as their substitute organist.

Craig spent many years teaching in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, incorporating his talents as a craftsman to help his students make their own thumb pianos. He worked as a piano tuner and technician for over 50 years and was meticulous about the restoration of instruments, furniture, and painting homes in the Quad Cities. In his later years he worked with David Arbogast, architectural conservator in historic paint and mortar analysis, where he proved himself to be amazingly proficient.

He loved to socialize and host parties and piano recitals for his friends, neighbors, and co-workers. In his free time, he enjoyed playing board games, midnight kickball, and badminton (over telephone wires if there was no net). For Craig, every person he met was an opportunity to make a new friend. His children often noted that he couldn’t get through a single aisle in the grocery store without running into someone he knew. Craig was a loving prankster and had a sneeze that shook the foundation of his house.

He instilled in his children their love of architecture and history as well as teaching them that cemeteries are a lovely place to visit, have a picnic, or an Easter egg hunt. They also knew his dedication to the many beautiful churches in the Quad Cities where they would stay late into the night with him as he tuned and practiced organs and pianos while they played among the pews.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Polly, and his sister, Pamela Joy, Craig is survived by his children, Elizabeth Anne and Paul William, his dear friends David Arbogast and Patricia Helmich, cousins Carlene Kuntz, Steve Clough, and Doug Clough, and his brother Kevin Clough.

“God’s love and peace to you.”