Neil Edwin Sellenriek
May 3, 1936   -   November 10, 2024

Neil Edwin Sellenriek passed away and ascended into the hands of our Lord on November 10th, 2024.  He is survived by his Sons Brad (wife Anne), Drew (wife Sheila), Daughter Sally and brother-in-law Mike Bacigalupo.  He was the proud grandfather to 5 grandchildren, Kate (Calos), Madison (Brown), Tim, Jack and Will Sellenriek.  He was preceded in death by parents Hazel and Edwin Sellenriek, and Mary, his loving wife of 63 years.  His union with Mary was the model of true love between 2 individuals.

Neil or "Ox" as he was known by his high school friends, graduated from Ladue high school, in 1954.  He attended the University of Missouri to play football, but returned home after a year to help his father run the family grading and landscaping business.  He finished his undergraduate education through night classes at Washington University.

Despite many tough and rocky times, through his passion and dedication to quality work, Neil built one of the most respected and desired golf course construction companies in the Midwest. Sellenriek Grading was responsible for many of the courses in the St. Louis area, including Fox Run, The Legends, Lake Forest, Winghaven and many others.  He was very well respected in the construction industry.

Upon retirement, he took up a 2nd career as the official caretaker at his farm in New Haven, Missouri. His passion for the neat and orderly extended to his property, which he loved to manicure. He loved having his family and friends visit and spend time with him and Mary at Charter Oak Farm.   Many great holiday weekends were spent with his family at "The Farm" and his trademark belly laugh echoed throughout the property.  His later years in life were tough, losing his legs to diabetes over 10 years ago.  Through this trying time, his true character of toughness shone through. Despite the hinderance of his handicap, he maintained a positive outlook on life, never complaining, and was even able to make it back up into the seat of his tractor at the farm.

Visitation will take place at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd in Creve Coeur, Friday November 15th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  A service to follow, with interment at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held at Westborough Country Club from 3:00 to 5:00 PM after interment.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home      www.osfuneralhomes.com