Craig A. "Zak" Cegielski

1964 - 2011

Craig "Zak" A. Cegielski

Craig "Zak" A. Cegielski, 46, 1011 Hrebik Lane, Mosinee, died Friday, July 29, 2011, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born Oct. 20, 1964, in Cudahy, the son of Leonard Cegielski, Mosinee, and the late Carol "Peach" (Feck) Cegielski,.

Zak's true passion was bow hunting in the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. His love for hunting and the outdoors was inspired through the time spent with his dad who introduced him to the solitude and reward that came with time spent in nature and the joy of the hunt. His annual elk trips were what he looked forward to the last 17 years. He was proud to have shot 16 elk and one state record mountain lion during his hunts. He strategically mapped his hunting territory and hiked the mountains like no other. He seemed to have an internal GPS because he never needed a compass and could maneuver his way out of anywhere. His hunting partners were his closest friends and meant the world to him. Zak was also an avid NASCAR fan who took great pride in planning the annual Bristol trip with his friends, and in past years was a competitive local short track driver himself. Zak was a friend to so many, both at home in Wisconsin and to those he hunted with in various states. His memory will live on through the stories that many created with him.

Uncle Zak held a special place in his heart for his nephew and nieces and each of them enjoyed the time they spent with him. The love shared with his sisters will forever be remembered and never forgotten. The many years hunting together as a family and the annual buck pool night road trip will be treasured memories for years to come. As Zak now joins his mother, "Peach," in their final resting place we know they have wrapped their arms around each other and are once again able to be together.

Survivors include his father, Leonard (Barb) Cegielski, Mosinee; two sisters, Tammy (Mark) Filipiak and Shelly Cegielski, both of Mosinee; and nieces and a nephew, Mitchell and Tylynn Filipiak, and Jordyn and Brooke Hintz.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol "Peach" Cegielski.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at St. Francis Xavior Catholic Church in Knowlton. The Rev. Joseph Grassl will officiate. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Knowlton. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, and again from 9 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church.

Memorials can be directed to the family and will be used for his favorite outdoor organizations.