CRAIG ANDREW BEISEL

In Loving Memory of Craig Beisel

Craig Andew Beisel passed away peacefully in his sleep, with family by his side, on January 5, 2026, at the age of 62. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend to many. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we trust in God’s perfect plan and find peace knowing that Craig is now out of pain and resting in His loving presence.

Craig was born on August 10, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1970, the now family of four moved to Houston, Texas, where warm weather and a flourishing economy awaited. Craig was always independent, learning to drive at 15 so he could work to enjoy the things he loved, such as his first car, a black Trans Am.

He attended college at the University of Houston, where he met his future wife, Donna Rusch; joined Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends and served a term as President; and graduated with a degree in business administration.

After marrying, Craig and Donna lived briefly in Beaumont, Texas. While there he made a bold move into advertising sales for a start-up scuba diving magazine. This job gave him the rare opportunity to make a living from his passions: travel, scuba diving and a deep-rooted sense of adventure. That sense of adventure first blossomed while growing up at his family beach house in Akumal, Mexico. Throughout his life, he would find himself planning his next trip, sometimes before returning home from the current one.

Back in Houston, the family grew to four with the birth of Lauren and Faith. During that time, Craig launched his radio marketing career at KSEV. He loved the sports and talk format and the fun live events around town that he and the family could enjoy together. It sparked his passion for helping businesses succeed through advertising. His clients were always more than clients – they became his friends.

As much as he loved Texas, he and the family were ready for new adventures. He, Donna and the girls made their way west to the greater Los Angeles area in 2010 and settled in Oak Park. There he used his marketing talents for Salem Communications, a Christian broadcasting and media group, where he served faithfully until he semi-retired to begin his own marketing company, DRB Entertainment in 2023. As part of that, he emersed himself in the community of Simi Valley as the Vice President of Community Outreach for The Ranch radio station. He found renewed joy in turning clients into friends and organizing radio remote broadcasts at events throughout the community. He even grew to love country music.

Craig loved their life in California – both as a husband and a girl dad. He was always up for an afternoon of golfing, hiking or e-biking; a trip to the beach to paddleboard; or just a day watching his favorite baseball and football teams. He developed his love of sports early, playing baseball as a boy and later as an avid fan of the Houston Astros, who he stayed loyal to while embracing the L.A. Dodgers after moving to California. He also enjoyed staying connected with his Houston buddies through his longtime fantasy football league.

Donna was blessed with Craig’s love of cooking, and grilling on the deck was his favorite, so he could enjoy the weather and views of the nearby hills from what he called his ‘tree house.’

Through it all, Craig, Donna and the girls found their second home at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. Craig especially enjoyed his time cooking on the beach for the High School Ministry summertime bonfires. He enjoyed learning God’s word in classes taught by Pastor Shawn Thorton and gained new friendships through his involvement in a Couples Small Group. He enjoyed watching his daughter Faith perform in many Spotlight Ministry productions, while Donna served as an acting coach, and where his daughter Lauren served in the Pre-school Ministry.

Craig is survived by his wife of 38 years, Donna Beisel; his two daughters, Lauren and Faith Beisel; his mother, Mary Beisel; his sister Stacy Walker and her husband Chris. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Beisel. He will also be missed by his extended family, such as aunt Barbara Tone, mother-in-law Karon Rusch, brother-in-law David Rusch and his wife Denise, brother-in-law Paul Rusch and his wife Marina, as well as a host of fun-loving cousins and all the friends whose lives he touched.

Craig’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, at Calvary Community Church, located at 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362, starting at 11 AM.

Attire: In celebration of Craig’s love for travel, guests are welcome to wear vacation-inspired attire - comfortable, light and joyful. We celebrate that Craig is now living out his ultimate adventure in Paradise with Christ.

Reception to follow at the home of Farhad and Michelle Fozounmayeh: 29405 Weeping Willow Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

For those coming in from out of town, we recommend the following hotel in an attempt to find the best rates possible: Sheraton - Agoura Hills, CA

If you would like to provide flowers for the service, please schedule them to arrive by 4 pm on the 30th, or at 9 am on the 31st in care of:

Megan Talbot
Calvary Community Church
5495 Via Rocas
Westlake Village, CA 91362

Suggested Florist: Camarillo Flower Shop and Gifts
77 E Daily Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010
805-482-2320

The family asks for your continued prayers as they begin their healing journey.