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Pastor Donald G. Cielsielski passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Don was born in Cicero, IL on January 12, 1934, to Margaret and George Ciesielski. He is survived by his daughter, Janet Louise Bowers and her husband, Bob, of Albuquerque, NM; his son, Bret Arnold Ciesielski and his wife, Mitzi, of Tucson AZ; his sister, Joy FitzGerald and her husband, George, of Cedar Park, TX; his grandchildren Eddie, Jason, Adam, and Ashley Ciesielski, all of Wichita, KS; and four great-grandchildren. He lived with and was cared for by Vivian E. Harlan, whom he loved dearly. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1952; Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, NE in 1956; and Central Lutheran Seminary, Fremont, NE in 1960. After being ordained at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM as an ELCA pastor, he served many congregations: Nativity Lutheran Church, Commerce City, CO; Missionary to Uruguay, South America; Trinity Lutheran Church, Laramie, WY; Epiphany Lutheran Church, Clinton Township, MI; San Juan Community, Albuquerque, NM; and Resurrection Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN. Once he retired, Pastor Don continued to serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Albuquerque Police Department. He then moved to El Paso, where he was a Hospice Chaplain for VNA and also performed services for various funeral homes. Don was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in El Paso. Throughout his life, he was also involved in theatre, music, and Rotary and Kiwanis service clubs. Don's amazing sense of humor and courage, even during times of declining health, was admired by all. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved and respected him. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 11050 Montwood Drive, El Paso, TX 79936. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM. Donations may be made in Don's memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
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