Cyriel DePestel

Cyriel Joseph DePestel (Cy), 82, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, beloved husband and best friend of Arlene (Rafnson) DePestel for 62 years, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2018.

Born to Alphonse and Mary DePestel in Marshall, Minnesota, Cy grew up on a farm, and in the nearby town of Taunton.

After graduating from Minneota High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

He served in the military for 28 years, working first as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, then as a Ballistic Missile Analyst, and ending his career as a Telecommunications System Control Manager.

He achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, and was respected and sought after for fatherly advice by the young airmen who worked under him.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1981, he completed a BA in Information Systems, then worked on the development of a tethered satellite for the space shuttle at Martin Marietta, and finally served at Ecumenical Social Ministries assisting those in need to find housing in Colorado Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one granddaughter, Sarah Ness.

He is survived by his wife Arlene and his five daughters: Debbie Floyd (Justin), of Stirling, NJ; Kelli Kaipust (Larry), of Papillion, NE; Amy DePestel (Bill), of Goodyear, AZ; Mary Willow (Lynn), of Colorado Springs, CO; Danielle Street (Dean), of Fort Collins, CO; his grandchildren, Rebekah, Daniel, Hannah and Claire Floyd; Kyle, Chris and Tyler Calabrese; Chad, and Jena Bunda; Jade Stofko (Josh); Cassi Reader(Rich); Amanda and Jessica Willow; Ellie and Bo Street; his great-grandchildren, Rhianna Garcia, Dylan Stumfoll, Gavin and Trinity Reader, and Braelyn Richard.

He is also survived by his brother, Robert DePestel, of Minneota; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous other family members.

Cy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who devoted his life to caring for his family.

He loved spending time with his family, reading, gardening, and watching Lawrence Welk. He traveled extensively and had a fantastic memory of all their adventures.

Cy had a great sense of humor and entertained his family and friends with his stories.

We thank God for him, and for the time we spent with him.

A viewing at 9 a.m. and funeral mass at 10 a.m. will be held for Cy on Friday, June 15, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

Memorial donations may be made in Cy’s name to Ecumenical Social Ministries, 201 N Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Cyriel DePestel

Contact Us

The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492