Craig Albin Liljegren died on March 27, 2025, at Bethany Home, Lindsborg KS. Craig was a property tax representative of 40+ yrs. He worked for the Rock Island, Texas Eastern, Farmland Industries, Northern Border, and retired in 2015 from ONEOK in Tulsa, OK.
Craig was born on June 26, 1947, in Fort Dodge Iowa. Son of Eunice and Leon Liljegren, he was baptized into Christ on August 31st, 1947 at Zion Lutheran Church in Gowery, IA. While still a very young child, Craig moved with his family to Goodland, KS, where his parents opened and operated a Dairy Queen and an A&W there for many years.
Craig was confirmed on May 14, 1961, at Emmanual Lutheran Church in Goodland, KS. In 1965, Craig graduated from Sherman County High School (Goodland High School). During his senior year, Craig played center for the undefeated 1964-65 Champion Cowboys football team (Kansas Northwest League).
He went on to attend Bethany College, Lindsborg KS, and then transferred to Kansas State University, where he joined and lived as an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Craig enjoyed singing and met his wife, Jane, in the KSU University Choir. On August 8, 1969, Craig and Susan Jane Schulteis were united in marriage at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Topeka KS. Craig went on to graduate from K-State in 1971.
Throughout his adult life, Craig served his community on various church boards and supported the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He enjoyed being an adult leader for the Kansas City-based Heart of America Council (HOAC) and participated in the Tribe of MIC-O-SAY at H.Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO. In 2000, Craig was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest national recognition bestowed by any local council of the BSA. Craig encouraged both of his sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Craig enjoyed the art of craftsmanship, woodworking, fifties music, restoring his 1950 Willy’s Jeep, classic cars, and especially being around his family and grandchildren. Craig most recently was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, KS, and the Lindsborg Kiwanis.
Craig is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane of Lindsborg KS, and two sons Scott Liljegren of Carlsbad, CA, and Jeff Liljegren (Kerri) of Denver, CO. His five grandchildren Ryan and Claire of Carlsbad, CA, and Greta, Peter, and Henry of Denver,
CO, a sister Phyllis Liljegren-Newson, and brother Lonny Liljegren (Elizabeth) both of Lindsborg, KS.
Visitation will be April 10, from 5-7 PM at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N Washington St, Lindsborg, KS 67456.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 11, 10:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S Ninth Street, Salina KS. Interment, for the family, will be follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church 702 S Ninth Street, Salina KS 67401-4802, and the Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, Saint Louis MO 63141-8557, the Lindsborg, KS Kiwanis, or Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council, 10210 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131-4212.
To leave condolences online, please visit www.crick-christiansfuneralhome.com.