Andre Christopher Cieply

Christopher Cieply, age 74, of Holland, Michigan, passed away April, 2026 at his home. Loving and beloved husband of Annabel and adoring father of Skylyr and Kyrstyn. Chris is remembered for his love of things of this world and the exploration of ideas of the spiritual nature of existence, his love for family, and his visual exploration of beauty found in photography, poetry and painting.

Chris was born in Chicago and raised in Dolton, Illinois, where he excelled at riding bikes with friends searching out RC Colas and Susie Q’s. He earned a BA in Art and Zoology at Principia College. Following graduation he began his career based on graphic arts and advertising at a firm in downtown Chicago, followed by pursuing his calling to ministry. He moved to Boston to earn his Masters in Divinity at the Andover-Newton Theological School, allowing him to serve on active duty as an Army chaplain for ten years for a peace-time Army with assignments in California, Germany, and Colorado, providing spiritual care and counseling to soldiers and their families.

After leaving active duty, he continued his service in the Army Reserve and as a hospital chaplain in San Antonio. During this period, he also owned and operated a structural steel building systems in Colorado Springs. He later transitioned into leadership roles as Administrator of two (separate times) faith-based nursing facilities in Michigan and California, and CEO of and non-profit family counseling center in Colorado.

He was called back to active duty following the events of September 11, 2001, serving across the United States during wartime. In this role he ministered to the families of fallen and wounded soldiers. Also, responding to each family of those effected by the Fort Hood shooting tragedy.

After concluding his military service through retirement, authored a book Continue to Love, reflecting on his pastoral service and most importantly the remembrance of fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country.

Upon his retirement, Chris and his family moved to Holland, near where Chris had spent childhood summers in nearby Saugatuck, and where he enjoyed road cycling, beach walking, swimming, forest hiking, photo taking and family and church time. He cherished and cared for the family’s handsome home and kept the family connected. A devout student of the Bible, Chris was an essential voice in the church he attended in Saugatuck.

After recovering from a serious stroke a year ago he returned to painting, and was sharing new work just days before he passed. https://cieplymaavelous.wixsite.com/red-mountain-gallery

He had an ongoing concern for the people of Ukraine over the past several years of war.

Chris was the cherished son of the late Irene and Walter Cieply; adored brother of Trina (Dennis) Higgins and Peter (Ellen) Cieply and treasured brother-in-law of Julie, Jeremiah, Daniel, Raina, and James; and much-loved son-in-law of Rocky Arnott and the late Joy Bormann. He will always be missed, with fond memories of his silly humor, fastidious order and sheltering love.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor Andre Christopher Cieply to Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland, MI or World Central Kitchen.