Mary Joan Ciepielinski

Mary Joan (Damberger) Ciepielinski was born on March 19, 1941, to Louis and Mabel (Hamers) Damberger in Minneapolis, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Family Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. Mary graduated high school from Holy Angel Academy. She met Donald Ciepielinski at a dance at the Catholic Youth Center and they were married on July 29, 1961, at St. Peter’s Church in Richfield, MN. To this union 4 children were born: Margaret, Michael, Mary Kay, and Marilyn. The family moved to Minneapolis, MN where Mary worked as a waitress. The couple moved to Tuscon, AZ from 1989 to 1991 before returning to Minneapolis. In 2011, Mary and Don moved to Osakis, MN where they spent the rest of their days together. The couple enjoyed travelling together and some of their most cherished memories was from their trip to Hawaii. They often went on day or weekend trips and loved to drive to many different towns in the area searching for the perfect lunch.

Mary Jo, as she was known for most of her life, was a devoted wife and mother. She was the glue that held the family together through thick and thin. Whatever life delt she was there with her strength that kept us all going. She lived her life with a kind heart, a soft touch and grace. Later in life time took away some of her memories but it did not take away her spark for life.  Mary Jo loved holidays and whenever the whole family would get together, seeing everyone together was the gift for her. She was a great woman who will be missed by all.

Mary Joan (Damberger) Ciepielinski passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Galeon at the age of 82. She is survived by her children, Margie (Jarvis) Wright, Michael (Heidi) Ciepielinski, Mary Kay (Will) Rora, and Marilyn Ciepielinski; grandchildren, Sean Morton, Develle (Hawa) Bekele, Daniel Seraaj, McKinley Johnson, and Christine, Breanne, Austin, and Adam Ciepielinski; great grandchildren, Tianna, Stevie, Daniel Jr., Gabriella, Malia, Mila, Josiah, Abrielle, and Nyeema; brother, Timothy (Sharol) Damberger; and sister, Ann Marie (Bob) Moore. Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Don Ciepielinski, parents Louis (Mabel); brother, Donald Damberger; granddaughter, Natalie; and great-grandson, Jaceon Morton.