Craig E. Sanderson, 68, of Indianapolis, IN passed away at his home on Friday, August 1, 2014. A family celebration of life will be held in Indianapolis in the near future. He was born on May 6, 1946 in Tuscola, IL to the late Lillian (Moore) and Dale Sanderson.
Craig graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1968 with a BS in Business. He taught one year of high school in southern Illinois before being drafted into the Army. He served in the Infantry from 1969-1970 with a tour of duty in Vietnam where he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Upon returning from the service, he earned a Masters in Literature from EIU.
He spent the better part of his career as an accountant and executive, most notably with Essex Wire and its subsidiaries, and spent his free time reading, being particularly fond of biographies and history. Equal to his love of books were his loyalties to the Indy 500, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Bob Dylan and all things 60’s Rock and Roll, and his beloved Chief Illini.
Mr. Sanderson is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gilbert Sanderson. Together they created a seamless blended family of children: Daughter Courtney Craig (Chris) Kasinger, Step-children Christopher L. (Leslie) Koluder of Wolcottville, IN; Jennifer L. (Art) Timpe, and John K. Koluder of Indianapolis; Joseph S. (Jason) Koluder of Long Beach, CA; and Aimee (Ed) Schaber (Tampa, FL). They shared six grandchildren: Anthony Koluder; Grace, Margaret, and Sally Timpe; and Jack and Lillian Kasinger.
A family celebration of life will be held in Indianapolis in the near future.
Celesta Smith says
Linda & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Craig’s passing. He was a wonderful boss, co-worker and friend. I enjoyed working with him more than I can say. I am sorry that I lost contact with him after Essex. He is still missed today by people who knew him at Essex.
Celesta Smith
Dennis S Guillaume says
Sanderson family; I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Craig at Essex for several years and had a lot of respect for him as a person and also as a co-worker. It was my pleasure to have known him.
Denny
Eric Trauner says
Permit me to reinforce earlier comments from a fellow Essex colleague. I worked with Craig on a particularly chaotic project that had fallen into our laps. Craig never lost his patience as we muddled our way through. When time allowed for personal reflection, I enjoyed hearing Craig’s stories about his earlier years. Craig’s steady hand is missed at Essex, and I will miss Craig personally.
Eric Trauner
Essex Group, Inc.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Carol Hengy says
Linda,
I am so sad to hear of Craig’s passing. We have a lot of good memories together. Too bad we didn’t keep up with our date nights more frequently, but we did get in a few lunches. Remember the good times and the laughs you shared with Craig. Keep in touch. Tom and I will be there for Craig’s celebration of life.
You have our deepest sympathy.
With love,
Tom and Carol
Melinda Windsor says
Linda and Family,
I so sorry to hear of the loss of Craig. I also had the pleasure of working with Craig at Essex. I really enjoyed his stories and to hear of how much he loved his family. He will be missed.
Melinda Windsor
Clayton & Judy Harriss says
We are so sad to hear of Craig’s passing. We were fellow classmates in Tuscola, Illinois and he will be especially missed at our upcoming 50th class reunion, Our prayers to Craig’s family, friends and co-workers who obviously appreciated him as we do. Clayton & Judy Harriss, Tuscola IL.
Elaine Seifert says
Linda & Family,
Jerry & I truly want to send our condolences to you. Our prayers will be said for Craig and your family. May the Spirit of Our Lord, Jesus Christ descend upon you and remain with you for ever and ever.
Jerry & Elaine Seifert
Charles McGregor says
Sanderson family, I enjoyed working with Craig at Essex. He did a great job running our FEMCO joint venture. As a veteran myself, I valued Craig’s dedication, leadership abilities, and his “can do” approach to problem solving. I know that he will be missed by family, friends, and colleagues.
Deb Lloyd says
Will be missed by many, and loved by many more. A great mind and better teacher. Never hesitated to be the teacher. I am so sorry.
Bradley K. Harper says
Being family i knew craig before and Dale,Lilly from the Elks club,He was cool and smart.And always stood his ground in conversation.Priviage to call him friend.
Debbi Hawkins says
I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Craig for several years. Craig was truly a gentleman and I will always fondly remember our shared love of our dogs, the beautiful Boxer.
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Debbi Hawkins
Adrienne Maurer says
Linda & Family, I am sorry for your loss. Craig was my favorite person to work with – he always had something positive to say and was quick to offer praise for a job well done. He had a quick wit and a million stories about his many assignments at Essex. I can still hear his infectious laugh! He will be missed.
Adrienne Maurer
Diana Vandenberg says
Linda & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. Craig was one of the first people that I met with Essex following their acquisition of Brownell. He was so helpful to everyone during business hours and providing his cell number in case he was needed after hours. He was a great man and I feel privileged to have known him. May God bless you all as you mourn his loss.
In deepest sympathy,
Diana
Doug Pett says
Linda and family, I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Craig for several years at Essex. Craig was a great co-worker. He will be missed.
Doug Pett
Johnnie Slack says
Sanderson Family,
My love goes out to all of you.
Jim Brown says
Linda,
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Craig was a great guy and fellow co-worker. He was one of the first people I met at Essex and we remained friends over the years. I especially enjoyed his stories of grandpa’s babysitting advice. After our “retirement” (Craig’s at 9:00 AM – mine 9:30 AM), I enjoyed our infrequent breakfast meetings and occasional phone calls.
He will be missed.
Jim Brown
greg skinner/nancy forrester braun says
We were very sorry to hear that Craig had passed. As fellow students at TCHS, we have good memories of him from long ago. Our prayers and sympathy extend to Craig’s entire family.