Leo Jim CIESIELSKI

30 SEP 1931 - 22 AUG 2021

• BIRTH: 30 SEP 1931, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 22 AUG 2021, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 27 AUG 2005, St Adalbert Catholic Church, South Bend, IN

INDEX

[N29407] Leo “Jim” Ciesielski
September 30, 1931 - August 22, 2021

South Bend - Leo “Jim” Ciesielski, 89, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, August 22, 2021. Leo was born September 30, 1931 in South Bend as the eighth of nine children to the late Stanley and Rose (Walkowiak) Ciesielski. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Verna Kuspa, Mary Gapczynski, Dorothy Kozlowski; and brothers, Harry, Casey, Louis, Joseph and William Ciesielski. On August 27, 2005 in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, Leo married his loving wife, Linda Ong. She survives along with a step-daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Popelka; grandsons, Ryan & Blake Popelka; and many nieces and nephews. Jim attended St. Adalbert Catholic School thru 8th grade and received all his sacraments from the church. He graduated from South Bend Catholic High School, where he also played football. After high school, he entered his vocation as a Franciscan Brother. On August 15, 1959, Leo professed solemn vows in the ABVM Province, receiving the name James. Br. Andrew Giba described James as a holy man, a good Franciscan, and hard worker. Jim left the order to care for his elderly parents. He loved to garden, a passion he inherited from his father, Stanley. Jim shared his amazing Russian/Polish tomatoes with his neighbors and friends, only keeping the rotten for himself. He retired from AM General after 26 years. Jim was involved with Queen of Peace Ministries Medjugorje Conferences and served as a sacristan. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X, but you could also find him at the Basilica of Sacred Heart, St. Adalbert, and Corpus Christi, especially in the Adoration Chapel. The family would like to thank the Pendle Home, Hospice nurses, and Dr. Cassidy for their excellent care provided along with Father Daryl, Tom Was, and the Franciscan Community for their support and prayers. The family is requesting masks be worn to the visitation and Mass for everyone’s safety and health. Visitation for Leo will be 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, Mayflower Rd. with a Rosary to be prayed at 3:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, August 27, 2021 at St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Adalbert School, St. Vincent de Paul, or St. Pius X. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.