Obituary for Craig Eugene Mader
Craig Eugene Mader, 67, passed away on Wednesday, June 22nd after a hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Born on January 25, 1955 in Lebanon, PA to parents George Mader, Jr. and Patricia Mader (née Gruber), Craig graduated from Palmyra High School in 1972 and later earned his Associate’s Degree from HACC. Craig worked as a baker, an insurance agent, and then for over 20 years as an auditor for Highmark.
While out with a friend, Craig met the love of his life, Diane, whom he married on June 25, 1983. They were a team in all things, and their 35-year marriage was filled with endless love, laughter, and music. Craig stayed by Diane’s side throughout her difficult battle with cancer. Devoted to her, he remarked that he was at home wherever she was. Craig loved his family deeply and sought to have as much quality time with them as possible. As a father, Craig taught his daughters the value of hard work, curiosity, and knowledge. He showed his love through his actions and would always make time to help in whatever way you needed, providing sage advice along the way.
Independent and always on the move, he was one of the sharpest men you could meet, was always quick with a joke, and lived by the words instilled in him by his mother that you “never quit”. Craig would always give his all. When he decided to do something, he put in the work and made it happen. An avid target shooter, he enjoyed sharing his favorite hobby with his daughters and friends. Craig loved both history and geography and could recall historical facts and obscure movie quotes with remarkable accuracy.
Craig will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his wife Diane, he is survived by his daughters, Kelly, 35, and Kerry, 31; Kelly’s husband, Blake; his brother, Brett; his nephew, JD; his nephew, Brett; and many loving cousins in Utah and upstate NY.
The family would like to express thanks to Craig’s care team at Penn State Hershey Medical Center,
especially Terri Warner; the wonderful staff at the Cancer Institute; the hematology/oncology floor; and
the wonderful nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors he encountered along the way. Through their support and Craig’s incredible will, he beat back his cancer several times over the course of 11 years. We want to specifically thank his oncologist, Dr. W. Christopher Ehmann, to whom we are immeasurably grateful. Dr. Ehmann’s expertise, care, and advocacy helped Craig and our family through the most difficult times. Dr. Ehmann saved Craig’s life more than once, and we cannot thank him enough for the gift he gave Craig: more time.
Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Craig are invited to attend Myers-Baker Funeral
Home in Camp Hill on Sunday, 14 August for visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send any memorial donations to the Penn State Cancer Institute in Craig’s name.
Born on January 25, 1955 in Lebanon, PA to parents George Mader, Jr. and Patricia Mader (née Gruber), Craig graduated from Palmyra High School in 1972 and later earned his Associate’s Degree from HACC. Craig worked as a baker, an insurance agent, and then for over 20 years as an auditor for Highmark.
While out with a friend, Craig met the love of his life, Diane, whom he married on June 25, 1983. They were a team in all things, and their 35-year marriage was filled with endless love, laughter, and music. Craig stayed by Diane’s side throughout her difficult battle with cancer. Devoted to her, he remarked that he was at home wherever she was. Craig loved his family deeply and sought to have as much quality time with them as possible. As a father, Craig taught his daughters the value of hard work, curiosity, and knowledge. He showed his love through his actions and would always make time to help in whatever way you needed, providing sage advice along the way.
Independent and always on the move, he was one of the sharpest men you could meet, was always quick with a joke, and lived by the words instilled in him by his mother that you “never quit”. Craig would always give his all. When he decided to do something, he put in the work and made it happen. An avid target shooter, he enjoyed sharing his favorite hobby with his daughters and friends. Craig loved both history and geography and could recall historical facts and obscure movie quotes with remarkable accuracy.
Craig will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his wife Diane, he is survived by his daughters, Kelly, 35, and Kerry, 31; Kelly’s husband, Blake; his brother, Brett; his nephew, JD; his nephew, Brett; and many loving cousins in Utah and upstate NY.
The family would like to express thanks to Craig’s care team at Penn State Hershey Medical Center,
especially Terri Warner; the wonderful staff at the Cancer Institute; the hematology/oncology floor; and
the wonderful nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors he encountered along the way. Through their support and Craig’s incredible will, he beat back his cancer several times over the course of 11 years. We want to specifically thank his oncologist, Dr. W. Christopher Ehmann, to whom we are immeasurably grateful. Dr. Ehmann’s expertise, care, and advocacy helped Craig and our family through the most difficult times. Dr. Ehmann saved Craig’s life more than once, and we cannot thank him enough for the gift he gave Craig: more time.
Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Craig are invited to attend Myers-Baker Funeral
Home in Camp Hill on Sunday, 14 August for visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send any memorial donations to the Penn State Cancer Institute in Craig’s name.