Craig Martin Hanusa Schuff
July 08, 1985 - October 24, 2015
Obituary
MADISON- Craig Martin Schuff, age 30, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 24, 2015 at the University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on July 8, 1985 in Madison, the son of Rick Schuff and Mary Hanusa-Schuff. Craig lived in Valencia, Calif. from 1987-1994 when he moved with his family to Franklin, Tenn. He was a member of Christ Community Church, where he was active in the youth group and went on mission trips to Mississippi and Peru. He graduated in 2003 from Franklin High School, where he was an honor student and a member of the band and wrestling team. Craig earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in December, 2007. During his years as a Tech student, he was active in the TN Tech honors program, participating in a small group led by Dr. Connie Hood, and working as a peer mentor for introductory honors seminars and British Literature classes. Craig was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He studied at L'Abri Fellowship in Huemoz, Switzerland in the summer of 2005, and interned at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the summer of 2007. He began graduate studies in 2008 at the University of Wisconsin where he was a researcher at the Fusion Technology Institute and a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering. In May 2011, Craig had a diving accident which left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Battling paralysis, chronic pain, and a myriad of other health issues, he remained determined to continue his research. This research involved a device he invented, which may one day be applied to detect explosives and nuclear material in suspicious packages. Craig earned a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics in 2012. Prior to his accident, he played the guitar, sang, and wrote songs. Craig was active at the Aikaido of Madison dojo, and enjoyed rock climbing and hiking. Also a gifted writer, he wrote a blog after his accident which can be found at www.brokencord.blogspot.com. He was known for his brilliant mind, compassionate heart, wry humor, uncomplaining spirit, and single minded determination. Craig saved the lives of four people through the donation of his heart, liver, and kidneys. Craig is survived by his parents, Rick and Mary Schuff; brother, Derek (Mary) Schuff; nieces, Maya and Nora Schuff; grandfather, Glen (Alma) Hanusa; special friends, Avery and Quinton Westrich, and Kristin Degeneffe; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruth Hanusa; grandparents, Richard and Gloria Schuff; and aunt, Mary Schuff Selenka. The family also thanks Gerald Kulcinski, Professor of Nuclear Engineering- Emeritus, Craig's many caregivers, and his friends Renee and Jeremy Amble. Two memorial services will be held, the first at CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH, Franklin, Tenn., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Visitation will be at the church from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. The second service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Lunch for all after this service will be held at the VFW Hall on Cottage Grove Road. Memorials will be given to the University of Wisconsin for Engineering Physics research, and a fund to aid individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
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Renee Lannoye-Amble
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Dear Craig, I will miss your wit, humor, and especially that smile. You were such an inspiration to me and to many others and I am so happy that I met you and your wonderful family and friends. I still think about all of our conversations that we would have in the beginning, just getting to know you and learning so much about how your brilliant mind worked. I remember clearly how you laughed at me for saying that I, too, was a scientist and how you told me that "nerds were cool." You were very loved by our whole family Craig! Renee, Jeremy, Jossalyn, Hallie, Brayden and Tristyn Amble
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Carol Anacker
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To the parents: I experienced that your son, Craig, is full of determination and perseverance, intelligence and humor. I think of him often especially when I smell lilies. He had a huge beautiful vase of lilies in his room that lasted at least 2 weeks and were so fragrant. He enjoyed the beauty of them as well as their fragrance. I am so very sorry to hear of his death. The heartbreak is so great because as a parent we love them so much and an adult child is woven into our past, our present and our future plans. I read a quote from St Augustine, ..."The tears streamed down and I let them flow as freely as they would, making them a pillow for my heart. On them it rested." Please take rest and care of yourselves. May you find comfort in knowing other parents have made this journey, and solace in understanding they are learning to sing again. Their song is forever changed and may not be what was in their future plans , but they are learning to sing again. May you hear music in your ears when other's speak Craig's name. Hearing his name is a reminder that he lived and that is a great, great gift. I also love this song verse I heard, and wanted to share it with you: You are near, Even if I don't see you. You are with me, Even if you are far away. You are in my thoughts, In my life. Always. - =Also thinking of that big vase of lilies reminded me of a quote from Marcel Proust, " Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom", Marcel Proust--With heartfelt sympathy, Carol Anacker
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Melissa
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Back in 2012, I decided to respond to a random caregiver job on Craigslist while I was in nursing school and a week later, I met Craig. I'm so glad I ended up getting to know and care for such a real, unique, intelligent, and passionate person. After I graduated, I decided to stay on the caregiver roster; I genuinely was interested in checking in with him and helping out in any way I could... he had his signature funny, sarcastic, and witty demeanor every time, along with wisdom and passion about the things he cared about. He was such an inspiration!
Working for Craig and having the opportunity to meet him was something I will be forever grateful for... I'll miss Craig very much; a personality like his was hard to come by and I'll miss the infectious humor, laughter, joking, quick witted responses, and watching way too many episodes of X-Files. May he rest in peace! My thoughts are with his family and friends.
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dar schuff
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Dar Schuff We know we are not the only ones who are reeling with the shock of this sudden loss. In reading of Craig's amazing fortitude, pursuing his doctorate in the face of such adversity, and sharing his experiences in brilliantly written blogs, we are reminded that this was a loss not just for us but for the world. We mourn his loss and pray for Rick, for Mary, for the entire family, for his many friends. We especially keep Rick in our prayers for his loss of his mom as a child, for the loss of his dad just a few short months ago, and for the loss of a son. May the good Lord comfort him and give him strength. Peace be with you all. lee and dar
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coco
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The world has lost the physical presence of a bright light; still, Craig illuminates hope and inspiration through his accomplishments, his blog, and having lived his life to the fullest. Craig accomplished more in his short, yet remarkable lifetime than most ever will. I am truly inspired by Craig’s notable story and will continue to share his experience with people who need hope and encouragement. To his parents, thank you for bringing into the world such a beautiful human being. To Craig, thank you for being.
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Nathan Rudin
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I miss Craig already and will keep him in my heart. It was my honor and privilege to help care for him. We've lost a brilliant man who faced his struggles with courage and grace, and who tried always to bring hope to others. May his family, friends and all who knew him find comfort in their memories.