Jon C. Cieslak ’71

A devoted family man, stalwart community supporter, and loyal Princetonian, Jon died Oct. 11, 2021, of complications following spinal surgery in Minneapolis, Minn. He lived in neighboring St. Paul for more than 40 years. 

Jon came to Princeton on an Army ROTC scholarship from Benilde (Minn.) High School. He majored in history, belonged to Charter, and earned designation as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was active in the Glee Club, where he met his future wife, Ann. Classmates remember his integrity, reliability, sense of humor, and love of classical music and the outdoors. 

Jon married Ann in 1971 and went on active Army duty after graduation. After finishing law school at Lewis & Clark in Oregon in 1979, Jon completed his 23-year military career as an attorney (JAG) in the Minnesota National Guard. He then worked as an executive for the Minnesota Zoo and volunteered at numerous community organizations. 

Jon relished life and was especially proud of the accomplishments of his children, two of whom, and a daughter-in-law, were Princeton graduates. He celebrated his Polish heritage through food and holiday observances and fly-fished in the West at every opportunity. Jon served Princeton faithfully in Annual Giving (class agent and nationally), the ROTC Advisory Council, the local schools committee, and as Princeton Club of Minnesota president. 

The class extends its condolences to Ann, their five children and five grandchildren, his brother, and many friends.