Deceased 2015

THEODORE M. CIESLAK, JR., 68 ROCKFORD - 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 at noon Saturday, March 28, 2015, 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.