John James Cmiel

John Cmiel, age 83 of St. Michael, MN, died peacefully September 11, 2025, at St. Therese of Corcoran, with his devoted family by his side.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maggie, his mother Helen Cmiel (Aydt), father John Cmiel, and daughter-in-law Barbara Cmiel.

He is survived by his sons Christopher (Barbara) of Plymouth, Greg (Sally) of Minneapolis, Peter (Angel) of Corcoran; Grandchildren, Jeremy (Renee and Hadley), Christina (Patrick) Olownia, Selena (Patrick), Joseph (Kess and Finley), Max, Frankie, Kira, Melia, great-grandchildren, Lydia, Benson and Eleanor. He is also survived by his siblings, Teddy Perry, Sister Ellen Cmiel OSF, Tom Cmiel (Gayle), Joyce Santo (Joe), Marie Cmiel, and niece Linda Baltus of Houston, Texas, and also his many beloved family and friends.

Dad was born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in New Brighton. The Cmiel family was among the first farmers that settled and helped form the city of New Brighton. As a young man, John met and married Maggie, the love of his life, and during the early days of their marriage, he joined the MN National Guard where he attained the rank of a three-stripe sergeant. Together, John and Maggie raised their three sons, Christopher, Peter and Greg, in Roseville, MN. They later moved to Saint Michael where Dad's maternal family, the Aydts, were a prominent family that first settled the city.

Dad was a union auto mechanic for forty years and specialized in transmissions. He loved cars and was a great tinkerer. In his golden years, he enjoyed time at the lake, fishing or playing cards. There was always some new craft or skill to learn. We will all remember his beautiful origami-creating stars or keepsake boxes for his loved ones. He was a skilled woodworker, and over the years crafted beautiful pieces for his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he loved spending time with his family.

Dad was a man of many talents and could build or repair anything he set his mind to.

He was hardworking and determined in everything he did. He also had a quiet, silly side and enjoyed a good joke. His playful sense of humor deepened as the years went by. Dad was kind, honest and gentle and had a generous heart that we will all miss.

Dad was an endless storyteller and could talk your ear off, a family trait shared by his mother Helen, brother Tom and cousin Elmer. He also had an artistic side he kept hidden, drawing hundreds of cartoons over the years that he left around the house for Mom to discover. Those cartoons are now a lasting reminder of how much he loved her.

Let's imagine Dad right now in a fishing boat with Mom on a calm lake at sunset, root beer by his side, and casting a line to hook that trophy bass.

Farewell to a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, grandpa, great-grandpa, cousin, uncle, friend, craftsman, artist, storyteller, and gentle, kind jokester. We will miss you.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Therese of Corcoran and the caring staff at Grace Hospice. We are so thankful for the dedicated care from Home Instead.

Thank you to family and friends for your endless support over these past months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association, or charity of your choice.