Father Robert Cieslinski, a retired priest of our archdiocese, died at Maryville Nursing Home in Beaverton, on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, August 11, at 11:00 AM, with burial in the Priests’ Section of Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Rosary will be Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at 7:00 PM at Maryville Nursing Home Chapel in Beaverton.
Robert Chester Cieslinski was born September 6, 1918, in Portland, Oregon, the son of Chester M. Cieslinski and Rose Rohrbacher. His seminary training began at Mt. Angel Seminary High School, where he graduated in 1936. He continued his college at Mt. Angel, receiving a B.A. degree in 1940. For theology, he attended St. Edward Seminary in Seattle.
Father Cieslinski was ordained for the Archdiocese of Portland on December 18, 1943, at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop Edward D. Howard. After ordination he was assigned as assistant at St. Lawrence Parish in Portland until August of 1951 when he was assigned to assist at St. Cecilia Parish in Portland (later named Queen of Peace). In September of 1953 he was named pastor of St. Michael Parish in Oakridge, a post he held until September of 1959 when he became pastor of St. Paul Parish in Eugene. He served there until June of 1973 when he was assigned to St. Matthew’s Parish, Hillsboro. He served St. Matthews for ten years until he was named pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Canby. He served in Canby until his retirement on July 1, 1994. In retirement, Fr. Cieslinski resided at St. John Vianney Retirement Center in Beaverton and for a number of years was generous with assistance in various parishes in the Portland and Vancouver area and beyond. As long as he was able, he was very gracious in his service to other retired priests at St. John Vianney. He was a willing chauffer and generous in his assistance to those who needed a little help in their affairs.
Father Bob Cieslinski was known as a diligent and caring pastor, and for that matter, a saintly priest. He loved the family vacation home at Black Butte and certainly loved the “Monday Golf Group,” whom not even rain nor sleet nor any other manner of inclement weather could daunt.
He is survived by his brother, James J. Cieslinski, and his sister, Kathleen Vala. In your charity, please remember Fr. Cieslinski and the family in your Masses and prayers.
Memorial contributions maybe made to the Alzheimers Unit at Maryville Nursing Home, 14645 SW Farmington Rd., Beaverton, OR 97007.
Arrangements under the direction of Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel, Beaverton, OR.
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