Paul David Cieslewicz, 53

Paul David Cieslewicz, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Custer, Wis., passed away Dec. 17, 2025, at the age of 53.

Paul was born Dec. 25, 1971, in Stevens Point, Wis., the son of David and Rosemarie (née Platta) Cieslewicz. He grew up in the area, where he attended local schools. His interests as a young boy included model trains, playing the clarinet and participating in Boy Scouts. As he grew older, he became involved in swimming with the SPASH swim team and theater, performing in plays from elementary school onward. In 1990, Paul graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH).

Following high school, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a chaplain’s assistant until 1994. Upon returning home, Paul began attending the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP). While pursuing his bachelor of arts degree, he was in several theatrical productions on campus and through Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT). During this time, he also worked for a local furniture company, Furniture and ApplianceMart, for nine years until life’s journey led him to Las Vegas in 2003. While there, he continued to pursue his acting career by participating in local community theaters and working at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. For the last 17 years, Paul was employed at SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand as a passionate concierge, serving many well-known celebrities and musicians.

Anyone who knew Paul knew the theater was where he found his purpose, his joy and his identity. Outside of that, he also found time to enjoy trains, especially steam locomotives, an interest that began as a boy. He was also a self-proclaimed movie buff; he loved reviewing movies and was lovingly referred to as a version of Siskel and Ebert. Additionally, Paul enjoyed comic books and collectibles, often attending comic events like local comic-con conventions and festivals. At his core, Paul’s love for the theater was matched by his love for people. He was deeply committed to the causes he was passionate about and was even able to write articles that were published.

Paul is lovingly survived by his parents, David and Rosemarie; and his siblings, Patty (Dave) Bemowski, Ken (Kelly) Cieslewicz, Jennifer (Chad) Ostrowski, Mary (Ahren) Groshek, Robert (Michelle) Cieslewicz and Katie (Jeremy) Rozumialski. Paul is further survived by 14 nieces and nephews, of whom he was godfather to his oldest niece, Tamara (Kyle) Zittel; a great-niece and great-nephew; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Bridget Cieslewicz and Jacob and Veronica Platta; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater in Paul’s memory. Donations can be made online by visiting cwact.org/donate.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Full military honors will conclude the service. Burial will take place at a later date.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.