Obituaries

Donald J. Cisek, 92, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026

Don was born April 25, 1934, in Oak Park, IL, to Walter and Helen (Maka) Cisek. He grew up in Bellwood, IL, and attended Proviso East High School. He was a 1st Lt. in the United States Army, attended the University of Illinois, where he studied economics, and earned a law degree from Loyola University.

He married his wonderful wife, Carol Ann Cisek, on August 24, 1963. They had two daughters, Christa and Jori, and were married for nearly 55 years.

Don and Carol Ann lived in Lisle, Illinois, for most of their married life, with a short stint in Kansas City. They retired back to the Chicagoland area to be near their kids and grandkids. They enjoyed long yearly visits to his much-loved Anna Maria Island, FL, and traveled to amazing places such as Hong Kong, Austria, and Israel. Don was a masters contract bridge player, playing locally and in tournaments all over the country. During Covid, at the age of 86, he taught himself to play online bridge, which was a huge blessing during that time of isolation. He also loved golf, tennis, and was an avid bike rider well into his 70s.

Don worked for CECO Corporation for over 40 years as Corporate Vice President of Labor Relations. He served as the company’s chief spokesman in labor negotiations and was responsible for all hourly employee policies, wages and benefits, as well as the company’s Equal Opportunity Administration. Throughout his career, Don had a national reputation as an honest, fair, and trustworthy spokesman among the leaders of the Ironworkers, Steelworkers, Teamsters, Carpenters, and Labor unions.

He attended St. Marks Lutheran Church in St. Charles, IL, for over 25 years, enjoying his weekly bible study, the worship services, and all of the interesting and caring people he met there.

If asked, he would say that his #1 priority in life was his faith in the Lord. Don was kind, thoughtful, quick-witted, generous, and wise. He had a servant’s heart, going on mission to Honduras and volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank for many years. He loved meeting new people and became true friends with many right up to the end of his life.

He adored his family, and they adored him back – they will miss him so very much and all that he brought to their lives each day. They are honored and proud that his legacy lives on in them.

He is survived by his two daughters, Christa (Troy) Reichert and Jori Cisek, two grandchildren, Lukas (Kenzie) Reichert and Maddie Reichert, and his sister Elaine (Bob) Pearson.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen; his wife, Carol Ann; his brothers, Herman and Robert (MaryKaye).

A Celebration of Christ the King and the life led by Don will be held on Saturday, November 21  at St. Marks Lutheran Church in St. Charles, IL (101 S. Sixth Avenue). Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Service at 11:00 a.m. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Don’s honor to:

New Life Church, Ft. Wayne, IN (to support Joe Boway/Liberian Children’s Ministry),

Thomas More Society, Chicago, IL (national non-profit, public interest law firm championing life, family, and freedom),

or St. Marks Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL

For further information call Yurs Funeral Home Geneva 630-232-7337

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