Craig B Adelman

Craig B. Adelman, A long-time Milwaukee resident and businessman, died on January 10 peacefully at his home. At the age of 82, Craig passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer over two years ago and, as a result of surgery, was thought to have a good chance of surviving. On a recent visit to Thailand the disease returned and took his life. Craig had many talents. In high school he attended Nicolet and Milwaukee County Day (University School of Milwaukee) where he was a star athlete lettering in football, basketball, and a state champion tennis player. He graduated from University of Wisconsin - River Falls and earned a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Later he worked at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as an administrator, ultimately deciding to enter the world of business. Craig and his father, Ollie, started a travel business, known as Adelman Travel Systems. Craig’s skill as a businessman was the principal reason that the company became one of the leading corporate travel agencies in the United States. Craig was also a lover of the arts. He lived in a house Frank Lloyd Wright designed in 1948 and filled it with beautiful paintings and sculptures. He read widely, swam daily, and for a period of time lived in New York City where he attended Broadway plays, frequented museums: The Frick, The MET, and MOMA. He also enjoyed dining out at many of the fine restaurants on the upper east side. Craig had two children, Tamara (Jim Crouch) and Jono (Melissa Adelman), to whom he was intensely devoted. Jono, who lives on the same block as Criag’s house, was also an Adelman Travel Systems executive until the family sold the business. Tamara lives in California where they were members at BIGHORN Golf Club together in Palm Desert. They enjoyed golfing together and hanging out during the winter season. Craig also had three grandchildren (Savannah, Zofia, Zakary), he was deeply involved in their lives. He is a survived by his brothers, Lynn (Betty), Gary (Linda) and his uncle Bob and cousins Jennifer (Laurent) and Matt, of Highland Park Illinois, Alan Adelman of San Antonio, Texas, and his only nephew Ray (Stacy), of Knoxville, Tennessee. Craig was preceded in death by his parents Ollie and Edie Adelman. Private services were held.

Craig B Adelman

January 6, 1944 - January 10, 2026