MADISON - Craig Timothy Hesness, 74, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025-just one week shy of his 75th birthday-at Chamomile Assisted Living in Madison, Wisconsin.

Born in Elgin, Illinois, to Gudrun (Hagen) and Clifton Thorvald Hesness, he grew up surrounded by family, music, and laughter-three things that continued to define his life. After graduating from Mount Prospect High School, he went on to study at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before transferring to the University of Arizona, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration (and certainly a few good stories along the way).

Craig is survived by his two daughters, Meg (Goldy) Kumar and Ginny (Ashley Dower) Hesness; his granddaughter, Avantika “Aavi” Kumar, who could light up his entire day just by walking into the room; his sisters, Ann (James) Carlson and Jan Hesness and his brother, Keith (Cindy) Hesness and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Goody and Cliff; his nephew, Dan Carlson; and his ex-wife, Cathy McLeod Manley.

Professionally, he spent a number of years working as a stockbroker, a job that perfectly suited his love of numbers-and his fondness for calculators, notepads, and the never-ending quest for the perfect pen. But outside of work, Craig was happiest surrounded by family, especially at the Hesness family tree farm in Coloma, Wisconsin. Some of his favorite memories were of taking his daughters, niece, and nephews on jeep rides through the fire lanes while everyone shouted “Pedal to the metal!” and belted out songs like “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Henry the Eighth.”

He passed down his love of music-especially the Beatles and other ‘50s-‘70s classics-to his daughter Ginny. There was always music playing somewhere in Craig’s world, a quiet soundtrack to his days.

Craig had a storyteller’s charm-he could turn even the simplest memory into an adventure, usually with a funny twist or a bit of dramatic flair. Whether he was recounting college escapades, tales from his time in Arizona, or family misadventures at the tree farm, his stories always left everyone laughing and feeling just a little more connected to him.

He also had a dad joke for every situation and believed life was better when you didn’t take it too seriously. He was endlessly kind, generous and always more concerned with giving than receiving. He believed in kindness in all its forms-donating regularly to charities and always preferring something handmade and heartfelt for birthdays and holidays.

Above all, Craig was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His gentle humor, big heart, and easy smile will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. A celebration of life will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, a cause that reflected his lifelong belief in helping others find comfort and home. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Craig Timothy Hesness

November 12, 1951 - November 05, 2025

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