Cecilia “Ceil” Eslinger, passed into the arms of our lord and savior on July 14th, 2024 and was surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

Born March 15, 1941 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Purpora) Janesich.

Ceil attended Mesmer High School in Milwaukee, WI and worked at the local bakery washing dishes during this time. She graduated to a full time baker learning all aspects of the business and assisted into management by the time she was 19 years old. Ceil then went to work at JC Penney’s and worked there for 9 years in management with high responsibilities as well as management of several rental properties.

Ceil decided to broaden her business interest and together with her brother Anthony “Tony” Janesich they purchased the Stanley Theatre in 1968. As Ceil was adjusting to her new life and business venture she met the love of her life Daniel “Mussy” Eslinger in September of 1968. Ceil always said Mussy not only fell in love with her, but loved the theatre more and the deal was sealed. They married in February of 1969 and the two of them were married for 44 years until Mussy’s passing in 2013. Along with operating the Stanley Theatre, Ceil was also a partner to Mussy in the operation of their family dairy farm.

Ceil and Mussy were blessed with six children, Philomena Eslinger Probst, Gloria Eslinger, Louis Eslinger, Theodore Eslinger (Todd Liebsch), Charles (Sarah Larson) Eslinger and Theresa (Daryl) Eslinger Pries and devoted friends Cyndi (Brian) Bergman, and Andrew (LeAnn Brihn) Samplawski.

Ceil was an active member of Holy Family Parish for many years. She served as President of the Ladies Aide in 1979 and also served as the Treasurer for the “Parish of Catholic Woman’s Chippewa” (PCWC), on the sunshine club, Ceil and Mussy would also serve many funerals as a pair together for their dedication to their faith was strong. She continued to own and operate the theatre and was proud (with the assistance of ALL family members) to be able to keep the theatre open for over 50 years for the Stanley Community. Her entrepreneurial spirit also included a video rental store in the lobby of the theater for many years renting VHS, Beta and video players. Later, Ceil also worked in Home Care Services for 25 years and enjoyed her many “interesting” clients until her retirement.

Ceil was an accomplished poet and her poem ‘Friends’ has been published and is displayed in the D.R. Moon Memorial Library in Stanley. She was also a gifted musician and played the concertina, hawaiian guitar, piano and accordion. Ceil loved to sing and was a member of the church choir for many years. She was proud of her catholic upbringing and Italian heritage. She enjoyed making the most wonderful “Sugu” (sauce) and La Polpettas” (meatballs). Ceil will always be remembered for her loud and contagious laugh and her sarcastic wit.

She is predeceased in death by her husband Mussy, parents Mary Rita and Anthony Janesich and her brother Tony Janesich. She is survived by her 6 children along with 12 grandchildren, Joseph Probst (Nichole Nihart), Gregory (Amanda) Probst, Thomas (Kylie) Probst, Charolette Eslinger, Chapman Eslinger, Corina Eslinger, Lucia Pries, Marcianna Pries, Vincent Pries, Gianna Pries, Myah Larson and Shane Larson. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren with the 10th one on his way.

A funeral mass will be at 11AM on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church-Stanley with Father William Felix officiating Burial will follow in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9AM Friday morning at the Plombon Funeral Home-Stanley until time of departure to church. Please send all correspondence and condolences to 454 Birch St. Cadott, WI 54727.