Memorial
John Richard Sissel, age 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Anamosa, died Tuesday, June 16, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories officiated by Rev. Greg Griffin. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment will take place at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
John was born April 11, 1934 in Tipton, Iowa to George W. and Luella W. (Schwitzer) Sissel. He was united in marriage to Darlene Denison on August 30, 1958. To this union, three children were born. John graduated from Tipton High School in 1952. He excelled in both football and basketball, being named to Allstate in both. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Iowa for both sports. Unfortunately, his sports career was halted when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the fall of 1952.
He graduated from the University of Iowa with an undergraduate degree in business in 1958. In 1963 he completed his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
He began his career with the State of Iowa in June 1963 and ultimately finishing up in 1995 with 25 years as the Deputy Warden at the Anamosa Reformatory.
John was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Anamosa. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and the Fawn Creek Country Club. John was also involved in various groups and organizations for the Department of Corrections. He enjoyed golfing and casino trips, as well as family trips and hosting occasions with friends and relatives. John especially enjoyed his time spent with his children and grandchildren. John and Darlene enjoyed wintering in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for 17 years. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
John is survived by his wife Darlene of nearly fifty-seven years; daughter Valrine (Larry) Sissel-O’Brine of Cedar Rapids; son Brian Sissel of Cedar Rapids; daughter Belinda (Bill) Wiggins of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; seven grandchildren: Laciee (Shaun) Clinton, Lindsey (Jason) O’Brine; Isabel and Lily Sissel; Emily, Abigale, and Trip Wiggins; four great-grandchildren: Landon, Loghan, Livian, and Lennen Clinton; brother George Sissel of DeWitt; and uncle Warner Schwitzer of Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson baby boy Wiggins; and brother Melvin Sissel.
A memorial has been established in John’s honor.