Craig Louis Little

Craig Louis Little, 83, of the Town of Sevastopol, WI, passed away in the comfort of his home, Friday morning, November 15, 2024, after a battle with kidney failure and lung cancer. A true Renaissance person, he loved to learn new things throughout his life.

Born on November 18, 1940, in Pekin, IL to Vanus Lee Little and Violet (DuPage) Little, Craig learned to play piano at an early age and played piano and organ at church in his youth. He graduated from Pekin High School with the class of 1958 and became the first person in his family to go to college. He went on to study music at Park College in Parkville, MO, majoring in pipe organ, voice, and music education and graduated in 1962.

Craig met the love of his life, Kathryn "Kathy" Ann Eckel, in college. They were married at a local church in Kansas City, KS on March 10, 1962. Craig and Kathy soon welcomed their only child, Todd.

After college, Craig moved the family to the Chicago, IL area, finally settling in Chicago Heights and became a high school English teacher at Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, IL. He earned a master's degree in Library Science, and became the high school librarian, retiring to Wisconsin in 1972.

While in Chicago Heights, he began a major part of the Chicago Heights Drama Group acting in several shows as well as music directing. He played Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady", the MC in "Cabaret", and many other roles.

After retiring, Kathy and Craig built a new home on Glidden Drive, just outside of Sturgeon Bay, WI, in the Town of Sevastopol. Craig began taking painting classes and making friends of all sorts. He loved cooking for dinner parties at their home and entertaining at the piano. Craig also served as president of the Door County Art League. He learned to knit, took a playwriting class, and wrote several monologues that were performed around Door County. Craig learned to dye silk scarves with colorful patterns. His scarves were sold at local galleries as well as some of his paintings. All the while Craig was baking bread, taking soup to friends, watching cooking shows and trying out new recipes, until his final days.

Musician, singer, actor, painter, playwright, knitter and cook, Craig made every day count. Rarely seen without a jacket and vest, he strived to be a true English gentleman.

Craig will be missed by his wife of 64 years, Kathy; son, Todd (Louise) Little of Old Lyme, CT; siblings, Judith "Judy" (Tom) Shaefer of Morton, IL and Gary (Judy) Little of Tremont, IL; sister-in-law, Merrie Jo Poortvliet of Germantown, TN; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Dwight "Rick" Eckel; and other relatives.

In keeping with Craig's wishes, no services will be held.

Memorials may be given in Craig's honor for an organization or cause that's meaningful to you.

"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff of DaVita Dialysis in Sturgeon Bay for the wonderful and compassionate care you provided."

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Craig may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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