Erika Cigelman

1931 - 2025

Erika Cigelman of Omaha passed away on Saturday morning, November 1st, 2025. She was 94. Erika is survived by her four children, Mike (Susan), Bob, Sharon Kieklak (Ron), and Liz Meiser (Chris). Erika had nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Erika is preceded in death by her husband Jack, and by two of her grandchildren, Tim Cigelman and Eric Meiser. Erika was born on May 9th, 1931, in Czechoslovakia. After World War II, she was deported to Germany along with all people of German descent. They left with few possessions, and all valuables were confiscated. Her family settled in Dachau where she met her future husband, Jack Cigelman. They got married on November 5th, 1949.

Jack was able to immigrate to the United States with the help of the American Jewish community. As soon as he was established as a tailor, he paid for and arranged to bring Erika to Omaha, along with her parents, Leopold and Hildegard Kunz, brother, Roland, and sister, Margit.

Together, Jack and Erika ran a successful tailor shop in Omaha for over 40 years, and Jack's Tailor shop is still in operation in Omaha on Maple Street. Jack's Tailor was truly a family business. Erika's sister, Margit, helped with the business, along with all four of Erika's children.

Erika and her husband placed the greatest value on family and friends. They hosted a full house every New Year's Day, where everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal of Rouladen and Dumplings. They were also avid campers. Every Friday afternoon they loaded up the camper and hit the road with family and friends. They also enjoyed vacations to Colorado almost every year, as it reminded her of where she grew up.

Erika and Jack were fiercely patriotic and often spoke thankfully of the opportunity to start a new life in Omaha. They were die hard Huskers fans and proudly flew their Nebraska flag every game day. Erika will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Erika's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15th, at Westlawn-Hillcrest Mortuary and Cemetery, 5701 Center St., at 11:00 a.m.