White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

INDEPENDENCE - David Lee Ciesielski, 89 years old, of rural Independence, IA, died Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence following a sudden illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. – Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church, Independence, IA. Burial will follow at St. Athanasius Catholic Cemetery, Jesup, IA.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Jesup, where there will be a rosary at 3:00 p.m. and vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue for an hour before services on Monday, at the church.

David was born February 5, 1935, in rural Buchanan County, IA, the son of Joe A. Ciesielski and Lorraine Marie (Byron) Ciesielski. He attended school in Jesup, IA, and graduated with the high school class of 1954. On January 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Darlene Joyce McAtee at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Independence. David worked for a short time at Rath Packing in Waterloo, IA, before making the decision to be a full-time farmer. The couple would eventually make their home on the family farm between Jesup and Independence, where they raised their family. Darlene preceded David in death on May 13, 2002.

David was a hard worker and seemed to always be in the field. He made work fun, so time spent working didn’t feel like work. Over the years, the family raised crops, but also had animals, including hogs, cows, geese, chickens, and ducks. He had a soft heart and always put others before himself. He enjoyed playing cards and faithfully saved Sundays for church and family. Faith, family, and farming best describe how David lived his life. He was a member of the Independence Knights of Columbus Council 4332 as well as St. John Catholic Church in Independence.

David is survived by three daughters, Joan (David) Lynch of Independence; Melissa (Joe) Fowlkes of Independence, Jennifer (Mike) Miller of Wayland, IA; two sons Joseph (Karen) Ciesielski of Independence, Dalton Ciesielski of Waterloo, IA; 16 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; three brothers, Robert Ciesielski, Thomas (Sharon) Ciesielski, Leo “Pete” (Liola) Ciesielski, all of Independence; one sister-in-law, Beverly Ciesielski of Independence; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene; one son, Timothy Ciesielski; one brother, William Ciesielski; one sister, Joyce Ciesielski; and one sister-in-law, Sally Ciesielski.

David enjoyed attending mass at the area catholic churches, so memorials will be directed to, St. John – Independence, St. Athanasius – Jesup, and St. Patrick – Winthrop as well as the Independence Knights of Columbus.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA is in charge of arrangements.