Darren Michael Stucker

Darren Michael Stucker, 66. Born July 5, 1947, died unexpectedly on October 31, 2013 at University of Wisconsin (UW) Hospitals, Madison. Husband of Anne Iwata, son of Marjorie and Eugene Stucker, brother of Elizabeth and Wendy (Michael) Hodes, nephew of Sylvan Mack, uncle of Lauren and Evan Hodes, son-in-law of Betty and Peter Iwata, brother-in-law of Judith and Marie Iwata. Preceded in death by Eugene, Peter and Marie. He is survived by many relatives and a global community of friends. Darren grew up in Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois. He graduated from New Trier High School. Darren came to the UW-Madison as an undergraduate where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Education concentrating on educating culturally diverse populations and Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Media Education concentrating on uses of video for social change. Despite sojourns in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington DC, he always returned to Madison. A creative soul, he was an award winning writer, director, producer, media consultant, and lighting designer. His award winning documentaries include Stalemate Kapuchea; Strategic Trust: The Making of Nuclear Free Palau; and Healing: The Human Factor. He was especially proud of winning The Benton Peace Prize and the Vermont World Peace Film Festival Best Documentary Film. His festival film screenings included the Sundance Film Festival and the East-West Center Hawaii International Film Festival. In the 1970s, Darren was active in the new media movement, creating interactive video environments that engaged viewers in new directions. He utilized his skills on a global scale, producing documentaries designed to impact public policy. On a local level, Darren immersed himself in political issues of community access to media. His knowledge of media carried over to helping with local political campaigns. When not working, Darren enjoyed sunset boating on Lake Mendota with friends. Zenith was Darren’s major client for almost 20 years. He was respected for his ability to create promotional and educational videos to translate technical innovations in television, weaving an interesting easily understood story. He was not afraid to fight the status-quo in his efforts to effectively communicate his ideas. Being his message or method, to Darren it was always about the customer getting the message right the first time. "If he knew in his heart it was right, he would make it happen," as a result he earned the respect of many at Zenith, beyond his production communication responsibility. This respect and trust affected some of the simplest ideas that in the end made for better products. He had an interest and passion for video and audio technology that continued to grow well after his time at Zenith. Other clients included Ohio Medical, Full Compass Systems and RNA Productions. He did pro bono work for the American Diabetes Association. His industrial films also won many awards. From 1986 to 1988, Darren was an Assistant Professor at American University in Washington DC teaching film and video production, visual literacy and media ethics. He commuted amongst Madison, DC and Zenith in Chicago. After moving to Fitchburg in 2002, Darren became involved in its Broadband Commission. He got his wish of becoming an elected official in 2007 when he was elected to the Fitchburg Common Council where he served two terms. He served on the Harlan Hills Neighborhood Association board for four years, two as its president. His wife, Annie, was the love of his life as was Darren to Annie. They traveled the world together. They organized many fun-filled weekends to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which is now an annual reunion for their friends. They enjoyed hosting guests and parties at their home. A “Celebration of Darren’s Life” will be held 1pm Sunday November 17, 2013 at the Pyle Center on the campus of the UW-Madison. Remembrances in Darren’s honor can be made to the National Gaucher Foundation or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. Please share memories at gundersonfh.com.