Theodore M. Cieslak, Jr.

Theodore M. Cieslak, Jr., 68, of Rockford died Monday, March 23, 2015 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born April 5, 1946 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Theodore M. and Martha (Brown) Cieslak. Ted graduated from Northern Illinois University. He proudly served in the US Navy and married his loving wife Karen Thrasher on August 17, 1963. Ted was a stock broker for many years and after he retired he continued to trade for himself. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and a faithful volunteer for Rockford MELD for over 27 years. He enjoyed music, nature and was a collector of memories. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren. He had a big heart and loved life. He was a kind and caring man, who devoted his time to his family, he will be greatly missed. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ajax Khan and the staff at OSF Cancer Center and the OSF ICU and 4 West nursing staff for their care and compassion.
Survivors include his wife Karen; daughters, Lisa (Todd) Clark, Lori (Doug) Derleth and Amy (Ryan) Conter; grandchildren, Jack, Isabelle, Benjamin, Mitchell, Madeline, Olivia and William; siblings, Josephine (Gerald) Rice, Luella (Dennis) McNeal, Mari (Roy) Mattocks, James (Debra) Stanford and Charles (Becky) Stanford and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial service Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 12 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Pastor Bill Dahlberg officiating. Visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name to: OSF Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Express online condolences at www.fitgeraldfh.com