Walter James Ciszek

Walter James Ciszek, age 68, of Williams, Oregon passed away at his home on August 1, 2013 surrounded by his family. Walter was born on November 14, 1944 in Mauston, WI and was the second oldest of seven children. He lived in Adams Friendship, Wisconsin until the age of 14 when he attended Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, WI where he graduated in 1962. Walter went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse for a year. Walter worked for a short time in agricultural then made his way to California working in the aerospace industry. He also spent a summer toiling the mines in Wyoming. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965 and served two active tours in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He then drove a tractor trailer for May Flower Moving Company for a summer.

In 1970 Walter met his soul mate, Frances A. Wells, on a blind date and they were later married on June 26, 1971. Walter was enrolled at Chaffey Community College when he was hired as a Police Officer for the City of Upland and attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy, where he graduated in March 1971. Walter and Frances had their first son, Michael the following June, 1972 and their second son, Brian in February 1976. Walter graduated from California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1977 with a BS in Public Relations/Special Option in Communication Arts. Walter rose through the ranks of the Upland Police Department and after 28 and half years of service, retired in November 1998 at the rank of Police Captain.

After retirement, Walter moved to Williams, Oregon in June of 1999 to build his dream home in the woods. He and Frances spent the next 14 years enjoying each other’s company by building their home, making memories, visiting their grandchildren and traveling. Walter was an active member of the Rotary Club, was President of the Friends of Josephine County Fairgrounds in Grants Pass. He was also a member of the Elks Club and a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Walter volunteered countless hours in the community and his biggest success was the Christmas Food Basket Program he worked and organized for many years, providing holiday spirit to those less fortunate in the Grants Pass area. Walter also enjoyed being a part of the Rotary sponsored Track and Field Events in Grants Pass. Walter was an avid golfer and he loved the Green Bay Packers. Walter enjoyed star gazing, spending time with his wife, family and friends. Walter was always busy tinkering around his home and garden.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter F and Frances M. Ciszek. Walter is survived by his wife Frances A. Ciszek, his sons Michael (Laurie) Ciszek of Upland, CA and Brian (Marisa) Ciszek of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and four grandchildren; Lillie, Logan, Eli and Landon. Walter is also survived by six siblings, Louise Pare of Adams-Friendship, WI; Mary (Dennis) Schad of Oxford, WI; Louis Ciszek of Baraboo, WI; Joan Screnock of Sparta, WI; Carol Ciszek of New York, NY; and Robert (Janet) Ciszek of San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Walter Ciszek was a man of principle, honor and integrity and he enriched the lives of everyone he touched. He will be missed immensely by all that knew him and they all will be eternally grateful for having been a part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walter’s memory to Rogue Gateway Rotary of Grants Pass, Friends of Josephine County Fairgrounds or the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Walter’s life will be conducted at a later time. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.