Alfred S Cielen

Alfred “Al” Stanley Cielen, 72, of Horton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on January 24th, 2026,  with his loving family by his side. 

Al was born to Stanley and Joan (Wilson) Cielen, on January 21st, 1954, in Jackson, Michigan. 

He attended elementary school at St. Stanislaus Kostka catholic school where he also attended church for a number of years. He later graduated from Jackson High School in 1972.

During high school he participated in a co-op program for tool and die. Knowing this was the path he wanted to take in life he later earned various certificates and degrees in machine repair and electrical from Jackson College and University of Cincinnati. 

Al married the love of his life, Julie (Lorencen) Cielen, on July 13th, 1979. They shared 46 wonderful years that started with a blind date. That love created Al’s biggest joy and brought 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren whom he loved spending time with more than anything. 

He started his career at  Wyman-Gordon and worked there for 15 years. Earning his journeyman card in machine maintenance. 

He then went on to work at MACI when they first opened, starting out in machine repair. Through his hard work and dedication he made his way up to become the manager of maintenance for 3 different shifts. Having managed some 118 employees at a time. He worked at MACI for 35 years until the time of his retirement in 2020. 

If Al wasn’t spending time with family you could catch him on the golf course any given day of the week. He was in many golf leagues including ones with his brother Mike and best friend Bob. He was also an avid hunter. Spending lots of opening days in the blind with his family.  

He loved watching his grandchildren in their various activities and sporting events. For the past 10 years he was thrilled to host his family for dinners and take them on pontoon rides around the lake. Al was incredibly proud of his Polish heritage. Listening to the Polka hour on Sunday mornings, making Pierogi with family, and dancing the night away at a polka dance were just a few of the best times with him. 

Al was also very active in Scouts, he first started as a Cub Scout leader and eventually moved up with his sons to assistant Boy Scout Leader where he earned several awards for his leadership.  Al went on numerous trips with scouts. From high adventures in the Canadian wilderness, Philmont scout ranch in New Mexico, many local and national Jamborees, and several other camping trips.

Al’s catholic faith gave him strength during any difficult time. He was guided by the love of God in all of his actions. This gave him his kind hearted nature and drive to help those around him. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 41 years serving in that time as deputy grand knight, grand knight, navigator, and color guard. 

He is survived by his loving wife Julie, children Emily (Billy) Maher, Jason (Beth) Cielen, Jessica (Aaron) Dailey, Jacob (Tyler) Disley-Cielen, grandchildren Gaje (McKenzie) Maher, Kyuss Maher, Olivia Maher, Katelyn Cielen, Addy Lewis, Ryan Cielen, Madison Cielen, Reaghan Dailey, Harper Dailey, Leo Dailey, great-grandchildren Alyce and Cassie Maher, his brother Michael Cielen, numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and  friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Joan Cielen, his sister Rose Harrington, and his sister-in-law Cathy Cielen. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm with a Recitation of the Rosary at 6:30pm at Watson Funeral Chapel - 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00am at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church - 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson with visitation at 10:00am until the time of service.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor can be made to Knights of Columbus, Jackson.

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