Michael Harry Sellheim

Faith-filled husband, father, brother, uncle, neighbor, camper, Knight of Columbus,and, most importantly, papa, Michael Sellheim passed away peacefully in his home in Valencia on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Michael was surrounded by his devoted family and shared in songs and prayers as he left his earthly home to be amongst the angels.

Born Michael Harry von Sellheim in Singapore in 1927 to Cyril and Helen, Michael enjoyed an active childhood in Southeast Asia alongside his brother George. Michael met tragedy early when his mother passed away when he was 7. Michael and George would spend their formative years in a boarding school in Hong Kong, then later Shanghai, where he became a prisoner during the war.

A fervent patriot, after becoming a United States citizen, Michael joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and rose to the rank of Sergeant as he fought in the Korean War until 1953.

In 1961, Michael would meet Patricia Josephine Torley, the love of his life, in Pasadena. One year later, the two would marry and start their beautiful family with the birth of Maureen in 1963. Two years later, Nadine would join their growing family, and Katrina, their third daughter, arrived in 1967. Michael devoted his life to his family. Working as a civil engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, he returned home from work every day ready to start his favorite job, that of father. Whether helping with math, or simply reading bedtime stories, Michael doted on his three daughters.

Committed to a life of service, Mike, alongside Pat, volunteered regularly for the Boys and Girls Club, was an active Knight of Columbus, achieving the 4th degree in the Knights, taught catechism, rescued animals that needed a home, and even picked up hitchhikers. His life in service to others inspired his family to do the same. Mike was a role model on so many fronts including academic achievement, respecting nature, and love of family above all. Values and priorities he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Raising resilient women, Michael enjoyed the respect and adoration of three daughters and their families. Vacations, holidays, birthdays - no occasion was too insignificant to spend time together. Mike’s three sons in law, Brandon, Chris, and E.J., loved nothing more than fishing with Papa or sharing a beer. Michael, or “Papa” to them, loved watching his six grandchildren grow and thrive. Paul, Shawn, Benjamin, Nathaniel, Sarah, and Ian will miss their Papa beyond measure. He instilled in them the value of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Papa’s life stories of loss, service, and faith will live on in his children, his grandchildren, their children, and for generations to come.

In addition to his family with Patricia, Michael is survived by his children, Mark and Laura Sellheim.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maryknoll Society, or to the charity of your choice in Michael’s name.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church at 22508 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. Following the funeral mass, a reception, visitation, and rosary service will be held at Eternal Valley located at 23287 Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, starting at 1 p.m. A graveside burial with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. The Graveside burial is at Eternal Valley.