Craig Joseph VandenBush

Craig Joseph VandenBush, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2025.

He was born in Manistique, MI on August 5, 1949 to Harold and Rita VandenBush.

Craig is survived by his loving wife and caretaker, Mary Beth (nee Mulvanny) and his children, Matthew, Patrick, Brendan Young (Amy), and Meghann Stelzer (Brad) and his grandchildren Nathan, Will, Evelyn, Dean, and Sebastian. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas (Colleen) and Alan (Lori) and his sisters-in-law Bonnie Mulvanny, Eileen Cefalu (Jerry), and Judy Wissell (Jerry). In addition, he is survived by his loving nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Rita Vandenbush and his brothers-in-law Red Mulvanny and Tom Mulvanny.

Craig was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As a result, he was a life-long Packers fan. He was a proud Alumnus of UW Madison, where he was a walk on for the Badger Football team (defensive back). After graduation, Criag began his career at JCPenney, where he worked for 33 years and made many life-long friends. After retirement, he moved from Germantown to Oconomowoc. He enjoyed golf, woodworking, bowling, and watching and attending sporting events. He could always be found out in his yard, landscaping and making improvements to his home. He enjoyed a rich social life with his many friends and family members.

After a major stroke in 2015, Craig continued to enjoy life with the loving help and care from his dedicated wife, Mary Beth. He did not let life pass him by, despite his use of a wheelchair. They enjoyed trips to professional sporting events, Door County, Green Bay, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida, as well as dozens of sporting events for their grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Aurora Hospice at Home for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Katy’s Kloset or Lake Area Free Clinic are welcome.

A service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (New Location: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) with visitation from 10:00-12:00, followed by a service at 12:00 PM. Reception to follow. In a nod to Craig’s strong love of sports, feel free to wear Badgers and Packers attire.