On January 6, Honorable Judge Cielinski tapped his gavel for the final time, and his body was healed of all cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Michael was born in Nuremberg, Germany while his father was stationed at USAG Ansbach. The Cielinski Family then moved to Columbus, Georgia, where they remained after his father retired from the military.
Michael was a proud alumni of Georgia Southern University and Emory School of Law. Michael served the city of Columbus for over 42 years as an attorney and as a judge. He was a devout Catholic, and he was involved in each of the Catholic churches in the Columbus and Pine Mountain area.
Michael was instrumental in the establishment and erection of the “Our Fallen Heroes” memorial that stands in front of the Columbus Consolidated Government Center. He was an advocate for the military and was always willing to help or host a military family in need. Anytime Michael saw a soldier in the community, he always gave them a heartfelt, “Thank you for your service.” Michael was also an advocate and supporter of all law enforcement members, always joking with them to give him an escort anywhere he was going with blue lights and sirens.
One of Michael’s greatest contributions to the community of Columbus was his annual Teddy Bear Drive at Christmas. For over 20 years, Michael and his family worked with local and state law enforcement as well as many members of the community to collect teddy bears, gifts, and meal items to deliver to patients of all ages at all of the local hospitals. Each of these delivery days ended with additional deliveries of bears, gifts, and meals to the Ronald McDonald House. Members of the Columbus Police Department, Columbus State University Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol were always present for these events, and Michael greatly appreciated the partnership of each agency. Over the years, thousands of bears and meals were provided to patients and their families in the Columbus area.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col. Edward and Mary Kolenda Cielinski; brother, Edward “Ed” John Cielinski; and grandson, Jacob Christopher Wilkins.
Michael is survived by his children, Helen Elizabeth Wilkins (Jody) of Erie, CO; Carolyn Cielinski Allen (Patrick) of Auburn, AL; and Laura Anne Rogers (David) of Columbus, GA. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Julia and John Thomas Wilkins, Forrest and Grace Allen, and Tripp and Cannon Rogers, and many friends.
Michael’s family wishes to thank the staff at The Oaks at Grove Park and Columbus Hospice for their kindness and assistance during this time.
A rosary will be held in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. Visitation will follow from 5:30-7:00 P.M. The funeral will be held at The Church of the Holy Family Catholic Church of Columbus, GA, on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Graveside burial at Parkhill Cemetery will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Michael's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, Ronald McDonald House of Columbus, GA, or charity of your choosing.
Rest easy, Judge. Court is adjourned.
