God called Michael J. Cieslewicz home Tuesday morning, April
2.
Mike was the youngest son of Stanley
and Clara (Ziolkowski) Cieslewicz. He was thirteenth of fourteen children and
the last to be born on the family homestead in the town of New Hope on
September 28, 1937. He attended Hamilton and St. Adalbert’s schools and
graduated from Rosholt High School in 1956.
He was a handsome guy who won the
heart and soul of his wife Enid at the Rosholt Fair and carried her photo in his
wallet from then on.
Their bond was strong. Together
they made an inseparable pair for 61 years, working side by side on the family
farm, raising their eight children. Mike took pride in the fact that the
homestead and all outbuildings were constructed from timber harvested off the
property. He taught his kids to work hard, enjoy the simple things in life and
to be humble. Welcoming all, their home was the center of activity. Mike was
Chief Operator of the Family Command Center and served as the encyclopedia of family
history.
Mike was so thankful for the loving
care provided to him at home by his family and Gina Tepp, as well as to the
wonderful “mentors” at Portage County Health Center where he resided for seven
months, Willow Brook Assisted Living for a month, and St. Michael’s Hospital
for the past week.
Survivors include his brothers,
Tony, Marty, and Tom; his sisters, Rosalie, Pat, and Clare; his wife, Enid; and
eight children and their families.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; siblings, Annette, Mary, Jo, Vincent, Casey, Stanley, and baby Francis;
and two grandchildren (Brandon and Tyler).
Many times we heard him say,
“Thank you, Dear Lord, for giving me a good life.” The family is thankful for the
kind words, prayers and support of others. The sadness of his passing is
lessened, for he is now pain free and reunited with those he loved who have
gone before him. We have a feeling that if Mike has his say, his favorite game
shows are playing, the Brewers are winning, and he’s dancing to the polkas in
heaven.
A celebration of Mike’s life will
be held at a later date where “the rest of the story” will be told.
The John J. Buettgen Funeral
Homes/Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society are assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit
www.HonorOne.com.
