Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1945

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

407 N. Bourne Street

Tolono, Illinois

Craig Zeilenga Obituary

Craig Zeilenga Champaign - Craig Zeilenga, 80, of Champaign, died on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Freese Funeral Home, 407 N. Bourne St., Tolono. The rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Champaign. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Champaign.
Published by The News-Gazette from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Zeilenga

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Aimee Fleming

December 4, 2025

Example of Craig's zeal with help of Jerome, his co-leader. 8 pages of prayers and Marian hymns a joyful memory.

Aimee Fleming

December 4, 2025

Eternal rest...and condolences. He was a prayer group leader. Left a legacy of prayers rising up like incense. Last saw in line at recon and with a big smile asked everyone in line to pray for a former pastor. Sweet last memory of his prayers for clergy.

Fr. Edward. U. Ohm

December 2, 2025

I knew Craig when he was a patient at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. He was admitted numerous times at the hospital He was admitted on the 6th floor and Rehab. He was always entertaining and thought provoking. He loved to laugh. There was one time I was able to visit him in his home. He showed me his train collection. He also gave me numerous periodicals. He will be missed by his family members and his friends. Eternal rest grant unto his soul. O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed. Through the mercy of God. Rest in peace. Amen .

Barbara Grimm in Pensacola, FL

December 1, 2025

He was a very good man. I'm sure he will be with God eternally!

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Craig Zeilenga's name

Memorial Events
for Craig Zeilenga

Dec

3

Rosary

5:30 p.m.

Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

407 N. Bourne Street, Tolono, IL

Dec

3

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

407 N. Bourne Street, Tolono, IL

Dec

4

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Champaign, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

407 N. Bourne Street, Tolono, IL 61880

How to support Craig's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Craig Zeilenga's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more