Larry Selinger

1948 - 2016

Larry Selinger 1948 - 2016
The story of Larry's life is the story of a father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach and mentor. Though the final chapter was written on Sunday, Aug. 21 with his wife and children by his side, the story of Lawrence W. Selinger will never be forgotten by those who loved him.
Larry Selinger was a storyteller. To know him was to laugh over a beer or an ice cold glass of milk. He found friends wherever he went.

Larry was born July 2, 1948, on 22nd Street in the North End of Springfield, the street from whence many of Springfield's main characters got their start. He was the son of Edward and Helen Keenan Selinger, and on July 18, 1975, he married Victoria Anne Buscher.
Larry attended St. Aloysius Grade School and graduated from Griffin High School in 1966. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Education from Bradley University in 1970. His exemplary career was first marked by his commitment to education, teaching P.E. at Palmer Elementary School and then English at Griffin High School, where he was a football and basketball coach. He was an all-city athlete who also led the last Griffin/SHG men's basketball team to an outright city championship. Larry transitioned into state and local government, dedicating over twenty years to public service. He was active in multiple state and local campaigns and also served as Human Resource Director for the State of Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, as well as the City of Springfield under Mayor Tim Davlin. In his spare time, he was an exuberant proprietor in the legendary North End establishment, The Main Gate.
Larry was fiercely loyal to his friends and family and vigorously supported SHG athletics, Notre Dame football, and Chicago Cubs baseball. He enjoyed coaching and attending his children's sporting events, teaching the Rule of Sevens, listening to Smokey Robinson and occasionally, Culture Club, and telling entertaining stories. He was notorious for never forgetting a birthday or anniversary. But Larry's greatest joy was his family.
Larry was inducted into the City of Springfield and Bradley University's Sports Halls of Fame. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and an active board member for Carter's Drive NFP. He also volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Carter Selinger; and one brother, Robert Selinger.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria Selinger of Springfield; his five children, Scott Selinger of Springfield, Brian (Nicole) Selinger of Des Moines, IA, Bradley (Lindsey) Selinger of Springfield, Bridget Selinger of Springfield, and David Schluter of Boca Raton, FL; five grandchildren, Ella, Quinn, Sutton, Bodie, and Hannah Selinger; two brothers, James (Margaret) Selinger of Cobden and Thomas (Kari) Selinger of Springfield; one sister, Mary Frances (Michael) McKibben of Springfield; one sister-in-law, Carol Selinger of Vero Beach, FL; one father-in-law, Charles Buscher of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center after ceremonies.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:30 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the Jim Belz Gymnasium on the SHG West Campus, 1325 W. Washington St., Springfield.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Christopher House, celebrant.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois, P.O. Box 2592, Springfield, IL 62708-2592 or Big Brother Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region, 928 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62704.
The family of Larry Selinger is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.