Cyril "CJ" Kalinowski

Cyril “CJ” Kalinowski, 63, passed away with his loved ones by his side on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Evangel Church in Bismarck. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

CJ “Cyril” Kalinowski was born into the loving family of Clemment and Theresa (Gleason) Kalinowski on October 15, 1959, in Devils Lake, ND where he was raised with his brother and sister, Paul and Theresa. CJ graduated from Crary High School in 1978 and joined the National Guard immediately following.

After receiving his associate degree in criminal justice from Lake Region State College, he began his career in law enforcement with the Benson County Sheriff’s Department in Minnewaukan, ND. CJ’s commitment and dedication to law enforcement led him to New York where he furthered his education in criminal justice, receiving his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York. CJ’s career in law enforcement led him to several agencies and departments in the state, initially with the Village of Hoosick Falls where he lived for several years. During this time, he was married and became a proud father to Chris and Ryan. While in NY, he made many fond memories with his family and became well known for serving the community in a dedicated, caring, and professional manner.  In the late ‘90’s, CJ and his family moved back to North Dakota where he continued his calling in law enforcement; initially in Ashley and Cavalier and finally in Eddy County where he retired from his long and dedicated career. In 2012, CJ married his forever love, Robin, and together they built a life in Mandan. After retirement, CJ found himself searching for a job that matched his colorful and giving personality. He worked at Miller Pointe Care Center, Sanford Health as a phlebotomist, and most recently for CDS inside of Costco where he thrived sharing stories, jokes, and treats with shoppers and co-workers. Regardless of where he found himself, he was well-known and respected; he touched many lives in a positive way.

CJ’s pride were his grandkids, and they gravitated toward his goofy love. You could find him at any given time-sharing photos of them with anyone who would take part. Goofy love is how he lived, and making people laugh brought him so much joy. He loved all things 80’s, including parachute pants! He was always listening to music, but his true love and forever man-crush was Elton John. In the summer you could find him in the shadiest spot in the pool, outside grilling, or on the golf course, and he recently learned how ‘happy, happy, happy’ the ocean made him. He was a master of tinkering, could ‘fix’ anything, and loved surprising Robin by making her thoughtful gifts out of ‘nothing’. He was a helper with a servant’s heart, and he shared his love in the most beautiful ways.

CJ was preceded in death by his parents, Clemment and Theresa Kalinowski and his sister, Theresa Conlan. Blessed to have shared in his life is his wife, Robin Kalinowski; children, Ryan (Daphnie) Kalinowski, Chris (Whitney) Hager, Bre (Josh) Boehm, and Kaitlyn (Tyler) Leingang; seven grandchildren, Marlie Kalinowski, Emmet Leingang, Hailey Graff, and Angela, Makayla, Alexis, and Holden Hager; as well as his younger brother, Paul Kalinowski.

The world is a happier place because of CJ, he will be deeply missed by so many. We know he is listening to the music of his times and lightening the mood simply with his presence. We can hear him, saying one last time “You’re killing me smalls.” But then, in typical CJ fashion, taking what life throws at him with grace and a smile. ‘Cheers’ to you, CJ, it is undoubtedly 5’o’clock where you are.

This account has been set up to help with the costs associated with the traumatic and unexpected loss of CJ. Today, we ask you to take a moment in honor of those you love, and speak to the power that guides your soul to keep giving strength to all the families involved as they navigate this challenging road ahead. Fundraiser by Kaitlyn Leingang : Traumatic Unexpected Loss of CJ Kalinowski (gofundme.com)