June Helene (Kastein) Cicero, age 93, of River Falls, Wis., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Christian Community Homes in Hudson, Wis.
June was born to Bernard and Helen (Withaar) Kastein on Sept. 7, 1932. Raised on the south side of Chicago, she attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., where she earned her B.A. and then worked as an English and PE teacher. On Dec. 20, 1958, she married the love of her life, James J. “Doc” Cicero, M.D., in Western Springs, Ill. The couple met while co-leading their church youth group activities.
June’s life was a beautiful tapestry of family, adventure and public service. In the early 1960s, she and Jim welcomed their children, James and Jill. Shortly after, the young family moved to Munich, Germany, where Jim was stationed with the U.S. Army. Upon returning to the States, they settled in River Falls, Wis.—the community June would proudly call home for over 50 years.
June was a devoted stay-at-home mother who later channeled her love for wellness into directing the life fitness program at UWRF. Embracing the Wisconsin winters, she also co-owned and instructed at Snowflake Ski, sharing her love of cross-country skiing with local school children and visitors at the SnowCrest Ski area.
In 1982, at the age of 50, June embarked on an inspiring new chapter. She enrolled at the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn., earning her Juris Doctor, and later a Master of Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. June was elected Municipal Judge for River Falls, a role she held with distinction for over 30 years. On the bench, Judge Cicero was known for her deep compassion. She worked tirelessly alongside local law enforcement and families to steer juveniles toward brighter futures, tackling truancy and substance use with a restorative, loving heart. She also worked as the judicial education director for the Minnesota Supreme Court.
June was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of First Covenant Church of River Falls for over half a century. Her greatest joy was her family, which grew in 1987 with the addition of her son, David, whose soccer games and marching band events she enthusiastically attended.
June lived a vibrant and full life. She was known for her compassion, intellect, humor, endless energy, mischievous way, and sense of adventure and fun. She loved traveling, reading, walking, sports—especially the Vikings, Purdue Basketball, and UWRF teams—and sharing a vanilla latte with dear friends at a River Falls coffee shop. She took delight in time with her grandsons, Jake and Ryan, regularly attended their sporting and school events. She loved gatherings at the cabin, planning fun and creative activities for family and friends.
June was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Cicero; her son, James B. Cicero; her parents, Bernard and Helen Kastein; and her sister, Janet Klem.
She is survived and deeply missed by her children, Jill (Robert) Schulz and David Cicero; her grandsons, Jake and Ryan Schulz; her sisters-in-law, Nancy Cicero; and countless friends and community members.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026,. at the First Covenant Church of River Falls (1374 N. Main St.). A time of coffee and fellowship will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials in June’s honor may be gifted to the First Covenant Church of River Falls or the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.
