Terrence L. Kisiel's Obituary
Terrence Lee Kisiel, 71, of Weeki Wachee Florida passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Florida.
Terry, known to family and friends, was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Bruno C. Kisiel and Julia C. Ogorzalek on August 16, 1954. Growing up in Melrose Park, Illinois he was a graduate of St. John Vianney School a place of faith and learning; West Leyden High School where he pioneered early graduation, being the first student at WLHS to complete secondary studies in three years. Thereafter, Terry received his bachelor’s degree majoring in Political Science, World & U.S. History and Education from Northern Illinois University.
Terry’s career spanned decades of work in insurance and investments and later, teaching students at the junior high and high school level. His passion for democracy and a sense of responsibility inspired him to encourage collaboration among people, defend the rights of freedom, and actively participate in local government issues. Terry offered his expertise, often leading many meaningful private, public issues and events.
In 1974 Terry married Rosemary A. Kisiel (nee Gosse) and moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago. They raised two sons, Brenden and Greggory. A devout family man Terry focused his life on guiding their development into the two fine men they are today: in their formative years actively assuming vital roles to support their involvement in programs sponsored by their schools, church, YMCA Indian Guides, many youth sports teams, and Boy Scouts of America, and happenings during their adolescence years in school and college. His marriage to Rosemary spanned 50+ years and their deep partnership and love for each other will, forever, be eternal.
U.S and International travel played a huge role for Terry and his family to connect to the world, celebrate its beauty, appreciate cultural differences, and experience historical events encompassing most states in the union and a dozen or more countries. He shared a love of nature and wildlife raising his children in the countryside along retired racehorses, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and goats.
Later in life Terry’s personal hobby of cooking and cheffing encouraged him to develop a unique restaurant concept and the WildRose Bistro was born. Situated in a northern Illinois college town, WildRose Bistro was a high-end delicatessen and coffee house specializing in signature sandwiches, salads, pizza, bakery, and fair-trade coffee & teas; later expanding into a menu offering entrees. The Bistro presented exceptional nightly music – featuring local artists, the NIU Jazz Band, and visiting celebrities.
Retiring in 2019 to Tampa Bay Florida, he underwent serious surgery in 2025. His unexpected loss in 2026 is mourned by his beautiful, loving family members, leaving his legacy of perseverance, an enthusiasm for living – a bigger than life personality and unique sense of humor. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him. His loyal Besingi-Terrier pup, Gromit, for 14 years, never left his side.
Until reunited, Terry’s immediate loving family includes his wife Rosemary (nee Gosse); his children Brenden and Greggory (Stefanny Penalo), granddaughter Norah, sister-in-law Norma Cikowski (Partner John Pikrone), nieces April Cikowski Lewis (Allen and child Sarah), Melanie (Guerrero) Cikowski (children Alyssa, Jasmine, Lorenzo), Heather Cikowski (Partner Michael Dunn and child Michalah), Jennifer Cikowski, Joan Kisiel, and nephews James and John Kisiel, and in-laws Ana Perez and Dony Penalo. Preceded in death: Father, Bruno Kisiel, Mother Julia (nee Ogorzalek), brothers James (Joyce), Thomas and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Terry enjoyed a bevy of hobbies and interests, including travel and cruises, collecting vintage wine, enjoying fine dining, being a master coffee roaster, and cultivating his own beekeeping colonies. He was an avid history buff and well read “amateur historian” of WWII and American politics, enjoying documentaries, mystery movies, and British television.
A celebration of life will take place privately with family members, who will continue to embrace Terry’s legacy.
Final arrangements coordinated by Northstar Memorial Group – Grace Memorial Gardens, Hudson, FL
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