Our precious mother and wife, Kathleen "Kathy" Ciesla, age 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 29th 2022, with her loving family by her side.
Kathy was born on March 26, 1954 to the late Bernard and Caroline Olejniczak in Joliet, IL and raised in Crest Hill, IL. Kathy was a graduate of Romeoville High School and worked at a local box factory while raising her two children, Richard and Gerald.
In 1989, Kathy was married to her devoted soulmate and best friend, Thomas "Tom" Ciesla. Kathy raised their loving son, Dexter, and daughter, Katy, in their home of over 30 years in Joliet. Throughout her years as a homemaker, she supported Tom in his business ventures while attending each and every sporting/life event of their children.
For those that knew her, knew her family was the center of her universe and they were all that mattered to her. Kathy was devoted to her children and grandchild, and treasured each opportunity to have her entire family in the same place at the same time. She especially loved her role as a grandmother, also known as, "Ma". Her smile, laughter and silly jokes could brighten any room she entered. Kathy made friends everywhere she went, and would go out of her way to compliment a stranger to make their day a bit brighter. Kathy's kind, warm heart and thoughtfulness will live on through her family and the lives she has touched.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Ciesla, of 33 years. She leaves behind her 4 beloved children Richard (Dawn) Carlson, Gerald Ciesla, Dexter (Jenny) Ciesla, and Katy (Jordan Kraus) Ciesla and her grandchild, Evan Ciesla and her "little buddy" the family dog Bandit. Also surviving is her brother, Bernard (Geni) Olejniczak and niece, Kara (Jason) Jandura, nephew, Kraig Olejniczak and her aunt, Dorothy Olejniczak.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Caroline Olejniczak, her in-laws Ruth and Gene Oetter, her uncle Norbert Olejniczak, and her "Dear Uncle Tom".
Funeral services will be held at the Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory. 2320 Black Road, Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 10 A.M. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 3 to 8 P.M.