Norbert George Joseph Ciesiolka

Norbert George Joseph Ciesiolka, 83 years old, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023 surrounded by his family at the Ernestine Raclin House, Center for Hospice in Mishawaka. He was born January 15, 1940 at his residence in New Carlisle, to the late Joseph L. Ciesiolka and Eleanor Sophia (Wasowski) Ciesiolka. Norbert was also preceded in death by his sister, Rita May Ciesiolka; brother, Marvin J. Ciesiolka; sister-in-law; Jeanette E. (Budzinski) Ciesiolka; and nephews, Kevin Zieler and David Ciesiolka.

Left to cherish the memory of Norbert are his loving wife, Sue Ann (Robinson) Ciesiolka; his daughter Cindy Sue Ciesiolka; brother-in-law, Jon Leroy Robinson; sister-in-law, Wilma Joyce (Yates) Robinson; sister, Virginia (Dan) Young; nieces, Jill (Todd) Chestnut, Kathy Zieler, Karen (Mike) Dempski; nephew, Jeff Allen (Susan) Robinson; and his extended family, Greg (Jennifer) Doms, Rees Doms, and Brayden Doms.

Norbert grew up and attended school at St. Stanislaus Terra Coupe, in New Carlisle, Indiana. Norbert met the love of his life, Sue Ann Robinson, at her job at the Department of Agriculture. They soon eloped on July 27, 1963.

The day after the wedding he went to work at Knechts grain elevator in North Liberty where he worked for two years before going to the Cummings Foundry. He worked there up until the foundry left town. He then worked at Raco and retired after 34 years of service. This is where he met owner, Harvey Hubble, who let him retire early with full benefits because of his excellent service.

Also, Norbert was proud to be a fourth-generation farmer in New Carlisle. He was passionate about tilling up God’s country and feeding the people. He planted corn, seed corn, and soybeans. He spent many days praying for rain and also for the rain to stop.

Norbert loved to play the radio loud, especially when it was Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson. He also loved fishing. A great day off for Norbert was fishing for trout and bass with his father and uncle, John Gadacz. He also enjoyed Notre Dame football, whether it was at his home or at the stadium.

He lived a full life. He met many famous people in his day such as Gene Autry, President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, his friend, the wrestler, Dick the Bruiser, and many others just - too many to list.

Norbert was very proud to be buried next to Ara Parseghian at Cedar Grove cemetery at The University of Notre Dame. He will also be buried next to his great-great-grandfather who immigrated from Poland through Ellis Island in the very early 1800’s.

Visitation for Norbert will be held from 9:30am-10:30am Monday, April 24, 2023, with a funeral service starting at 10:30am all at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend. Burial will immediately follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Norbert George Joseph Ciesiolka to the Ernestine Raclin House, Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Pet Refuge, 4626 S Burnett Dr, South Bend, IN 46614.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sjfh.net.

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