Craig Stephen Trinkle

Craig Stephen Trinkle passed over unexpectedly from diabetic complications and joined his Heavenly Father on July 12, 2020 in Vernal, Utah. Craig was born in Knoxville, Iowa.
He and his sister Christine and their parents, enjoyed living on their farm in Bussey, Iowa. His father, Paul Trinkle, later enrolled at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. University life was a wonderful bonding experience. It was difficult to leave friends and our church, however, it was time to move on to Spencer, Iowa.
Craig’s father served as the County Extension Director for Iowa State University and his mother, Belle, was Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Craig was an excellent student and graduated from high school in Spencer. He was involved with band, track, debate, and numerous activities. He and his sister, Christine, were active in the Methodist Church and sang in the choir as well. They loved making trips to nearby Lake Okoboji with their friends. Following graduation, Craig attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He later attended Iowa State University and California State University.
Craig enjoyed a fulfilling forty-year career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He managed overall environmental programs, natural resource programs, and water and land stewardship in nine states. Craig was responsible for overseeing budgets, projects, interagency cooperation and developing and supervising service contracts. He also had the responsibility of construction and maintenance, supervision of the District Water Management, development of recreational, historical, and archaeological sites, pollution abatement, endangered species protection, habitat restoration and Wetland Habitat Development.
Craig was an exceptional photographer with a flair for capturing unique photos of wildlife, rivers, forests, and mountains. He was successful in preserving many arrowheads and fossils during his career.
Craig was a kind and gentle soul with an easy-going demeanor and unconditional love for others. He was a hardworking dedicated individual who was generous and ready to support those he loved. Although our hearts are heavy, we celebrate Craig’s life and know he is at peace in God’s kingdom.
A graveside funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Mark Richardson of the First United Methodist Church at 3:00 P.M. on October 1, 2020. Craig’s cremains will be buried in the family plot at the Santa Barbara Cemetery adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara. Online condolences can be sent to www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com.
Craig Stephen Trinkle is preceded in death by his father Robert ‘Paul’ Trinkle who passed on June 2, 2001. He is survived by his mother, Norma ‘Belle’ (Owen-Trinkle) Hoger and stepfather, Thomas M. Hoger; sister, Christine (Trinkle) Bouman; aunts, Katherine Stevens, Betty Augspurger and Barbara Amsberry; uncle, William C. Trinkle; nephew, Christopher Paul Leslie; cousins: Margaret Yarnell, Michael Stevens, Jeff Trinkle, Julie Trinkle, Linda Trinkle, Brian Trinkle; and other beloved cousins and friends.