Ronald Joseph Cieslak

Ronald Joseph Cieslak, born on July 5, 1955, in Erie, PA gently slipped into his eternal home on March 15, 2025, in Payson, UT at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer and related illnesses. He was the son of Edward and Helen (née Dufala) Cieslak and older brother to Richard (Rick) and Randall (Randy), and dear friend to countless others.

Ron lived his early years in Erie, PA, before moving to the San Jose area of California at the age of 10. As a young adult, he made the life-altering decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After his graduation from Santa Clara University, Ron served a church mission in Montreal, Canada. Upon returning to California, he got a job as an accountant with Ford Aerospace. He worked there for over 40 years, through buy-outs and name changes, until his retirement in 2022, at which time he moved to Elk Ridge, UT into the home of a family that loves him.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen, and his ex-wife, Michelle Raegold. He is survived by his younger brothers, Rick and Randy, and many close friends who loved him.

Ron was a shining example of dedication and generosity. His wallet was open to those he saw in need, and he couldn’t resist buying games and toys for children he met. His journey on this earth was one marked by kindness, a desire to help and serve others, unwavering faith in God, and love for our Savior. 

He loved sports (especially tennis), table games, inspirational books and movies (especially Christmas ones), sweets, children, church, and temples. Ron felt his life calling was to bring his ancestors together through genealogy and temple work and he went to Slovakia 6 times to meet his cousins and learn of his family history. He was proud of the work he did for thousands of his ancestors. He loved being a Home Teacher in the church, and developed some of his best friendships through serving in this way. We will always remember his sweet tooth, playing sports with him, his generosity and thoughtfulness, and his eagerness to talk of the church to everyone.

His memorial services will be held on Thursday April 17, in the brown church at 450 Elk Ridge Dr., Elk Ridge, UT 84651. The viewing will be at 1:00 pm MDT, and the funeral will start at 2:00 pm, and will be followed by a short graveside service from 3:30-4:00 pm at the Payson Cemetery, located at 400 N 800 E St, Payson, UT 84651

Remote viewing information will be available the morning of.