FIEDLER UNLOCKED

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh professor
publishes book posthumously about redemption
By Adam Rodewald • of The Northwestern • January 18, 2009

Their relationship was fleeting from the start. Their connections lacking. Spoken words never exchanged. But somewhere in the reciprocation of e-mail and life analyses provoked by an inevitable end, Steve Busalacchi wrapped himself in a personal mission to help a dying man tell his story. View/print pdf of print article

Steve's Tribute Letter, Oshkosh Northwestern, Jan. 8, 2009

This wonderful book by Professor Craig Fiedler, of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, remains as his legacy, after having passed away on Saturday from lung cancer. I had the privilege of offering minor edits to the manuscript, which was beautifully crafted by Craig, with tremendous assistance from his wife, Sharon. It is an astounding feat he pulled off to finish this book during the 11 months he battled this horrible disease.

The Fiedlers and I had not known each other until Sharon, who was reading White Coat Wisdom, called me two months ago while I was attending a funeral for a friend who died from cancer. Of course, Sharon mentioned her husband's cancer and their interest in getting his manuscript published. We soon began collaborating and my goal was to get this book in Craig's hands ASAP. Unfortunately, the publication process was too slow. Although the book is off the press now, it was not completed in time for Craig to see it. That was a devestating blow for me, but I am heartened by the fact that so many readers will benefit from Craig's message of hope, endurance and humor.

Amazingly, in this Internet age, I never actually talked to Craig or met him in person. All of our communication was via e-mail! I was looking forward to that day when the book came out so I could drive to Neenah and present it to him personally. In his final e-mail to me on Christmas Eve, Craig was generous and understanding with respect to the publication delay, and wished me well. At one point, he even told me that fate had brought us together for this purpose.

We were fortunate to work with Vedic Design, as the graphic artists did a wonderful job with the cover and typesetting. The generous designers actually donated all of their time and services as a tribute to Craig Fiedler!

John Sternad of Coakley Tech has also gone out of his way to print this book quickly, so Sharon could present it to family and friends at Saturday's service. Thank you, John!

I will definitely miss the guy I never met, but have come to know through his scholarship and writing. I highly recommend Robbery and Redemption. If you'd like to buy a copy, send $21.95 plus 5.5% tax to:

Garrison Hill Publishing
P.O. Box 82
Neenah, WI  54957

--Steve Busalacchi, 1/8/09