Craig A. Rarick

Craig A. Rarick, 60, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Galion Community Hospital. Though he had some recent health issues, his death was unexpected.



He was born July 21, 1956 in Bucyrus to the late Robert S. and Eileen (O’Keefe) Rarick. A lifelong area resident, Craig grew up in the old Holmes-Liberty area sharing countless adventures with fellow neighborhood children. He was a 1974 graduate of Wynford High School, received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Bowling Green State University and completed his education at Ashland University, where earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.



As a teenager, he met Karen S. Crall who was showing sheep at the county fair and they married four years later on October 6, 1979. With Craig’s education complete, he began teaching at Buckeye Central, where he will be remembered for educating his students in Social Studies and History as well as coaching boys football, boys and girls basketball, and as Athletic Director, retiring from education in 2010. He recently took pride in working for SCAT, which gave him the opportunity to socialize with area riders.



Craig loved to travel and his family had the privilege of vacationing to many historical destinations with Gettysburg being his favorite. In fact, many of the tours his family took, Craig was often able to add to the lesson. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy, playing Trivial Pursuit, reading to keep his mind sharp, and he enjoyed unwinding to the Bill O’Reilly show. Craig took pride in mowing his lawn and always gave it “the Rarick touch.” But of all these things, what Craig loved the most was time spent with the ladies in his life (his wife and daughters) as well as his three grandsons.



Craig was raised in the First United Methodist Church and since 1992 has been an active member of the Bucyrus Nazarene Church, serving on the church board, Bible Quiz Teacher, involved with Caravan, and his greatest passion was playing saxophone in the orchestra.



Craig is survived by his wife of nearly 38 years, Karen S. Rarick; four daughters, Amber (Tim) Wertman, Stephanie (Andy) Kissinger, Sabrina (Tyler) Smith, and Christina Rarick; three grandchildren, Logan Wertman, Evan Kissinger, and Lincoln Horsley; one brother, Randall Rarick; one nephew, Seth Rarick; one great nephew, Greyson Rarick; one uncle, Frank Rarick as well as numerous cousins and brothers and sisters-in-law.



His family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 26 at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church where his funeral will also be held, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery on a later date.



Memorial contributions may be made payable to Bucyrus Nazarene Church (Music Dept.) or to SCAT. These gifts can be given at Wise Funeral Service or the church during any portion of his services. Memories and photos can be shared on Craig’s Tribute Wall.