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Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane

Dyer, Indiana

Stephen Cieslak Obituary

Stephen Michael Cieslak

HIGHLAND, IN - Stephen Michael Cieslak, age 57, of Highland, IN was called to Heaven on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Loving father of: Jessica Cieslak (John Fullerton), Jonathan Cieslak, and Nicholas Cieslak. Beloved son of Paul and Joan Cieslak. Dear brother of: Kathy Cieslak Steorts (Ken), Daniel Cieslak (Julie), Paul Cieslak. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a funeral service to be held at 7:00 p.m. at SMITS FUNERAL HOME, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.

A genuine kind heart with a great sense of humor, Steve was a great friend and neighbor to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Steve was a member of IBEW Local 701 for over 20 years. He spent years coaching his kids in sports including softball, baseball, and basketball, both Munster Town and AAU. Steve was always entertaining to watch on the court, sometimes more so than the kids. He loved the kids he coached as if they were his own. He had a love for music including Bruce Springsteen, Zac Brown Band, Tim McGraw and he recently discovered Lizzo's discography. He enjoyed playing golf with his boys and their friends once they went to college and he never missed a White Sox game. Everyone who had the luxury of tasting his famous wings knew they were the very best. He went out of his way to bring happiness to anyone he encountered. He loved his kids beyond words and was so proud of their accomplishments. He recently talked about spending hours writing and rewriting the speech he was going to deliver at his daughter's wedding.

Steve was always a big proponent of making the most of every day. He reached his goal of dipping his toes in every Great Lake. Steve loved to have a fishing pole in his hand and spent years vacationing in Presque Isle, WI with friends and family. He especially looked forward to the second weekend in May for Walleye opening season. We're sure that's where he is right now; pole in hand, a smile on his face, cigar in his mouth and his best dog, Odie, by his side. I'm here for a good time, not a long time was always his motto. Steve enjoyed sharing his passion of fishing with kids. Donations can be made in Steve's memory to Catch-A-Dream Foundation at https://www.catchadream.org/inmemory/. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on May 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Cieslak

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Jay Janowski

July 14, 2021

Very sad to hear of Steve's passing, many memories came to mind back in the dolton days, condolences to the cieslak family, truly kind man, rest in peace Steve,----- Jay/Diane/Kyle/Danny Janowski

Daniel Druga

May 13, 2021

Steve was a one of a kind!!! Great Person, teammate and friend! My Condolences to the Family and love ones. I will remember his legacy at SFDS class of "82" RIP my friend!

The Falda family

May 12, 2021

We are so very sorry for your loss. We always looked forward to visiting with Steve through the fence when we came to see my parents. He was such a warm, thoughtful guy. He always had something special lined up for our kids when he knew they'd be coming into town- usually ice cream sandwiches! Our deepest condolences to you all. He and all of you are in our prayers.
-Dan, Jill, Danny & Emily

Paul Wolf

May 12, 2021

My family was lucky to know Steve. He was one of the good guys that made our town a nice place in which to live. He was an involved parent who cared deeply about his children. He gave them his all. Steve was always a friendly face to see at a school event, a game or about town. His positive attitude was addictive. He taught me a lot about coaching. Not so much the X's and O's but the attitude. He made it fun and never lost track of the kids' perspective. He was taken too soon and our community will be the lesser for the loss. I will miss seeing him and I regret times we might have had reminiscing. I hope he will live fondly in everyone's memories and I hope his memory will continue to be a guiding presence for his family. We send you all our love.

Lino {Lee} Sr. Gomez

May 12, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Cieslak family from the Gomez family. We remember Stephen as a kind and soft spoken young man, who loved sports and the Chicago white sox!

Jack Buoscio

May 12, 2021

Knew Steve only during high school but he was a genuine nice guy who got along with everybody. Sad to hear of his passing and my condolences to his family.

Karina del Real

May 12, 2021

Mr.Cieslak was my neighbor, my friend’s father, he was one of the nicest coolest dads I’ve ever met. He will be missed, rest in paradise.

Julie & Tim Furco

May 12, 2021

Our condolences -

Mary Twellman

May 12, 2021

Oh, my dears, our hearts are breaking. What a special guy. Ethan thought Mr. Steve was the best!! You have our prayers and sympathy. Mary and Larry Twellman family

Joe Martino

May 12, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was such a great guy and neighbor. I find myself thinking of the countless hours we spent playing bags and talking White Sox. I will always remember those times fondly. It was a pleasure to have known him, and he will be missed. I will keep him and you in my prayers.

Karen Wasyliw

May 12, 2021

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family through this difficult time.

Tim Jakubowski

May 12, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Tim & Linda Jakubowski

Henry Sissac

May 12, 2021

I was lucky enough to spend time with Steve in the classroom, on the football field and on the golf course. Steve was very humble and flew under the radar but he was very smart and talented. He was kind soul with a great sense of humor and a loyal friend. Prayers up for the Cieslak family! Thank you for sharing him with us.

Todd Jakubowski

May 11, 2021

I am completely saddened. My whole life the Cieslak’s have always been there. Many thoughts and prayers from our family to yours

Todd Jakubowski

May 11, 2021

I can’t even put into words how saddened I am. My wife life the Cieslak’s have always been there. Many thoughts and prayers from our family to yours

Teri McClard

May 11, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Debbie Chalmers

May 11, 2021

Wow this world lost a very wonderful,loving and fun loving Guy. The Costello's and Cieslak's were all very close. Our time spent at the Ike's were the Best. Paul and Joan I'm so very sorry for your lose. Kathy, Danny and Paul, you've lost a great brother. Love you all!!!!!!

Sam & Fran Lucente

May 11, 2021

Paola, Jessica, Jonathan & Nicholas
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. We will always remember him as truly a genuinely kind person who loved his family.
He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn Spain

May 11, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jeremy Holzer

May 11, 2021

Steve and his family were our neighbors on State Line in Lansing. They were great neighbors. Steve helped my brother find his first job as an electrician. We have fond memories of Steve celebrating with us when the Bulls won their championships. - The Holzers

Shirley Wass

May 11, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. God's blessings to all of you!

Nick Cikulin

May 11, 2021

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Steve. My condolences to Dan, Paul and the entire Cieslak family.

Pam Johnsen Bland

May 11, 2021

The old Dolton days.....He was a baby when I was a teenager in high school and trotting off to college, but still got to watch him grow through childhood. The Cieslaks were the best neighbors you could find anywhere. Little Stevie. And what a fine man he became.

Joseph Wood

May 11, 2021

Thanks Cieslak! We played basketball together at SFDS and what a hustler you were. Blessings to the entire Cieslak family.

Emil Gracuky

May 11, 2021

Going to miss our fishing ,cooking and laughs.
Thoughts to all that respected Steve.

scott

May 11, 2021

rest in peace

Joan Bruno

May 10, 2021

I met Steve my Junior Year in HS at SFDS. Steve was a senior, and I had been “dumped” by another boy who had asked me to go to Senior Prom. I was more upset over the fact that I already had a dress than I was about the other boy - anyway - Steve swooped in and asked me to go with him to the prom. After that we became high school “sweethearts” and that lasted about 1 year. I only have wonderful memories of Steve. He was the nicest guy!!! I still know all the words to Thunder Road and Born to Run because we would listen to the Bruce Springsteen 8-Track in his car over and over. I’d like to think Steve set the bar for all my future boyfriends!!!! I am so very sad for his family! I know there is nothing I can say to make things better but hope my story brought you a little smile. I would like to extend my truly heartfelt condolences to each of you snd will keep you in my prayers. All my love - Joan (Domzalski) Bruno

Alex D'Ortenzio

May 10, 2021

uncle Steve was nice to me i loved him very much

Allan “Ray-Ray” Mohead

May 10, 2021

Steve was one of the kindest and patient persons I’ve met. Alway had good down to advice to give along with encouragement. He has always been good to me even putting his name on the line for me. We need more like him. He will always be missed.

Alex D'Ortenzio

May 10, 2021

uncle Steve was so nice to me and i loved him very much

Vince DiCera

May 10, 2021

Steve was a very happy go lucky guy. He would come to family events and wanted to learn our traditional Italian card game which he won a few times...I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with him and Dino consuming wings and a few beverages a couple years ago and had a great time...May he rest in peace.

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Memorial Events
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May

12

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311

May

12

Funeral service

7:00 p.m.

Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311

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Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer

2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311

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