John Sissel

JOHN SISSEL

Cedar Rapids

John Richard Sissel, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Anamosa, died Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, officiated by the Rev. Greg Griffin. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday 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 Aug. 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 All-State 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 finished 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, S.C., for 17 years. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Darlene; daughter, Valrine (Larry) Sissel-O'Brine of Cedar Rapids; son, Brian Sissel of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Belinda (Bill) Wiggins of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Laciee (Shaun) Clinton, Lindsey (Jason) O'Brine, Isabel and Lily Sissel and Emily, Abigale and Trip Wiggins; four great-grandchildren, Landon, Loghan, Livian and Lennen Clinton; brother, George Sissel of De Witt; 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.

Online condolences may be left at www.

cedarmemorial.com.