Craig J. Seliger of Bakersfield, CA, formerly of Palatine and Sumner, IL died on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Bakersfield CA.
Craig J. Seliger of Bakersfield, CA, formerly of Palatine and Sumner, IL died on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Bakersfield CA. Craig was born on June 29, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Joseph and Irene (Fronz) Seliger. He attended Palatine High School and worked for the State of Illinois Highway Department in the Chicago area as an engineer technician to earn money for college. He attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale earning a BA in Biological Science and in later years an Accounting degree. He met his wife Donetta Bridwell while at the University upon which they were married at the St. Lawrence church in Lawrenceville, IL. He taught Biology at Pleasantdale Elementary school in La Grange, Illinois. Wanting a more rural lifestyle, Craig and his wife Donetta, purchased a farm near Sumner, IL. Here he farmed and raised cattle on his land as well as teaching 7th/8th grades at Petrolia school. He then worked at Snap on Tool in Mt. Carmel, IL for a couple of years. In 1975, he began working for the Texaco Refinery in Lawrenceville, IL until closure when he then transferred to the Texaco plant in Bakersfield, CA. After Shell Oil's acquisition of the refinery, he retired in 2005 staying in CA. Crais was a member of Elizabeth Seton Catholic church in Bakersfield.
Survivors include his wife, Donetta Bridwell Seliger, daughter Roxanne Seliger, son-in-law Eric Wong and grandchildren Ryan and Rosie Wong of Pacifica, CA. Along with his many extended family members. Craig was preceded in death by his sister, Annmarie Seliger Langlie and husband Richird Langlie and his sister in law Terri Wells Bridwell.
Craig was a kind, gentle, always positive, and overall happy person. He enjoyed fishing, walking, nature, hunting, and social family gatherings. He loved visiting his cabin in Wisconsin and farm in Illinois. He would take weekly trips out to his favorite shooting club to hang out with the guys at the Five Dogs range in Bakersfield. He hobbied wood working by creating lots of wonderful furniture pieces, and designing projects for his daughter’s house. Cutting down trees and gardening was a favorite pass time pleasure as well. He was proud to be a part of sharing activities with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews while seeing their accomplishments in their lives which created a strong warmth in his heart. He was a great support and delight for all those who met him and had many long-lasting friendships that spanned decades of joy to all that encountered his genuine delightful spirit.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Sumner Cemetery.
A Prayer Rosary will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the Prayer Rosary from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers please send monetary donations to St. Lawrence Church 1006 Collins Ave Lawrenceville, Il 62439.
