Charles Craig

Charles Darwin Craig, 78, passed away at his home on December 20th, 2025 of natural causes. Born June 22nd, 1947 in Richmond Indiana, he was the son of William Webster and Suzanne Marie (Cochinard) Craig. He was a loving father, brother and son. He is survived by his life partner Marlene Winters; son Nathan; daughter in-law Caroline; grandson Louis, and lifelong friend and ex-wife, Cathy Spann. 

He received his MFA in music Performance/Education in 1973, and his B.S. in Music History/Literature in 1971, from Ball State University. He also received the Palmer Memorial Scholarship and teaching fellowship, was a guest lecturer, and joined the international organization for educators, Phi Delta Kappa. He held teaching certifications in Wisconsin, and Indiana. 

His teaching career began in 1971 and he directed college and high school choirs and music programs across Indiana (Indianapolis, Vincennes, New Castle), Tennessee (Morristown State CC), Wisconsin (Madison Edgewood, La Crosse Central, Mazomanie, Richland Center), and Illinois (Rockford). In 1978 he led the Decatur Central men’s choir to the National Choir Competition in Atlanta, and from 1982-88 he was the choir director at Edgewood High School in Madison WI where he also led swing, madrigal, and concert groups.

In 1990 he received his M.A. in Educational Psychology, specializing in Education Administration. He ended his career working in the Sun Prairie public schools as a gifted and talented coordinator, where he developed and taught curriculum for children of all learning styles and abilities. He cared very much about kids and improving schools to meet the needs of every student. 

Charles was a tenor in the Madison Philharmonic (1978-81) and University of Wisconsin Concert Choir (1985-86), where he performed the role of Colonel Fairfax in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeoman of the Guard (1984). He was also the Choir director and Cantor at St. Rafael’s Cathedral in Madison from 1984-1990. 

His love for his family was a constant in Charles’ life. He was the older brother of Janet (MD) and Mike (IN). All remain closely connected to the farm they grew up on in Economy IN, which remains owned and operated by Mike’s sons, Dustin and David. 

Throughout his life, Charles volunteered at countless churches and soup kitchens preparing meals for people in need. He cooked with love and dedication. He believed in everyone’s capacity for good, right to dignity and more than anything, a home cooked meal. He spent many days and nights, preparing meals at Luke House, on Madison’s east side. 

He loved singing and gardening. He loved going to church and singing in the choir. For the last 20 years +, he was a congregant and choir member at Luther Memorial in Madison WI. When he wasn’t at church or working, he spent all of his extra time in his garden, growing fruits, vegetables and especially, dahlias. He was a decorated member of the Badger State Dahlia Society, where he shared and created different breeds of his favorite flower. He loved to cook and travel, often celebrating his Mother’s heritage with French cooking. He loved a good greasy spoon diner, a strong cup of coffee, and anyone with good taste and style. He enjoyed classical music and long summer days outside working on the land like he did growing up. He loved good wine and had an incredible laugh.

He expected a lot from himself and from others, and was a lifelong optimist. He loved work, and people who knew how to work. “The most important people in any school are the janitors and lunch ladies,” he would say. On being a good person and finding your path in the world, Charles offered this: “Whatever you do, do it with heart and integrity.” He sends his love. 

The family requests that in Charles’ name, any donations should be directed to Luke House 310 S Ingersoll St, Madison, WI 53703. There are plans for a public remembrance at a Wisconsin Dahlia Society event this coming season.