Mike Cielocha

Michael T. "Mike" Cielocha, age 61 of Columbus, died Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at the church. Interment is in the All Saints Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be directed to Scotus Central Catholic High School.

Mike was born September 24, 1961, in Columbus, Nebraska to Kenneth and Carolyn (Backes) Cielocha. He attended St. Anthony Grade school and graduated from Scotus Central High in 1979.   He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a four-year varsity letterman on the track team. He married Kelli Lippstreu on March 31, 1979, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. In 1983 they returned to Columbus. Mike was an active member of the community. He officiated football and basketball for many area schools over the years. He enjoyed softball, hunting, playing noon ball, and the Wednesday Afternoon Club. He was active in Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and his alma mater-Scotus Central Catholic High School. Mike loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters.

Mike is survived:
Wife: Kelli Cielocha of Columbus
Son: Christopher (Kayla) Cielocha of Grand Island
Daughter: Amanda (Kent) Malone of Palmyra
Granddaughters: Parker and Maren
Brother: Tim (Caree) Cielocha of Columbus
Sister: Lisa (Todd) Duren of Columbus
Brother: Darin (Sheila) Cielocha of Gretna
Along with his extended family

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ken and Carolyn; In-laws: Jim Lippstreu and Virginia Lippstreu