Richard Cisek

Richard Michael Cisek, born November 11th, 1928 in Buffalo, New York, to Helen (nee Mederski) and Bruno Cieslinski, passed away November 18th at the age of 92. He was at home with his family at his side. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene. He is survived by wife, Kay Fredericks; children, Michael (Corey) Cisek, Melanie (Michael) Hougo, Maria (Paul Anderson) Cisek; grandchildren, Lucas, Mae and Jeffrey Hougo, Axel and Elsa Anderson; brother, Robert (Bonnie) Cisek; sister-in-law, Ruth Cisek.

Dick graduated from Canisius College, served in the armed forces in Korea, and received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1958.

Upon graduation, Richard accepted a position with the then Minnesota Orchestra, where he started as Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and eventually became President (a position he held for 13 years). Some notable achievements were transforming the Minneapolis Symphony to the Minnesota Orchestra,and moving the orchestra from Northrop Hall at the University of Minnesota to its current home in Orchestra Hall. He retired from the Minnesota Orchestra in 1991 after 32 years. Following his retirement, Richard was Interim Managing Director at the Minnesota Children’s Theater, after which he began a consulting career and spent the last 25 years advising orchestras and arts organizations worldwide. Dick was respected and loved by artists from different parts of the world, many of whom became lifelong friends.

As an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, Dick enjoyed his hours of service on the Vestry, highlighted by the search for and hiring of The Very Reverend Paul Lebens-Englund.

His family and friends appreciated Dick’s intelligence, wry sense of humor, and commitment to serving them and his community. Dick was elegant and principled. He valued manners and protocol and instilled that in his grandchildren. They remember being taught to greet others with a direct gaze and firm handshake, a practice they learned from their beloved Dzia Dzia.

Dick’s family looks forward to gathering in his memory at a later date. In the meantime, cards and condolences may be mailed to: The Family of Richard Cisek, c/o BRADSHAW, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN 55127. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Orchestra, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Salvation Army.