Dr. John Edward Cisna

Dr. John Edward Cisna, 87, ended life on earth August 23, 2024. He was born May 11, 1937 to Maxwell and Maxine Cisna in Des Moines Iowa and spent the last 26 years of his life in Missouri. He attended East Des Moines High School, graduating in 1955. He subsequently attended Grand View Junior College, University of Idaho and Drake University, where he studied sciences and education.

John received many basketball honors at Grand View College, where he was named to the All National Tournament and 1957 All-American Team. He then went on to play at the University of Idaho. His baseball career was cut short because of fastballs and curves. He has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame. He was also proud of being a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and 3-time senior state champion.

Teaching and coaching in Callender Iowa was the first step in John’s career path, followed by one year in Des Moines. He then enrolled at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, where he graduated with honors in 1967. He took his medical training at Des Moines General Hospital and practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for 27 years in Des Moines. He was the first in Des Moines to introduce cryosurgery of the cervix, colposcopy, vacuum extracter and the birthing chair, which was the forerunner to the birthing room. He moved to Springfield Missouri in 2004, where he worked for 11 years at a CoxHealth Regional Health Clinic.

Hobbies included hunting with his sons, attending their athletic events and generally “hanging” with them. He loved exploring new places with his daughter and being spoiled by her (especially after his numerous surgeries). With his wife Joan (Jo), he enjoyed whatever they might do and wherever they might go. They loved to travel and especially treasured family reunion vacations.

John was very proud of his medical practice, his patients and his friends. He knew that the Lord had blessed him greatly and that everything in his life was a gift from God. Wesley United Methodist Church was very instrumental in his Springfield life.

One would find John’s name on the rosters of the American Osteopathic Association, American Association of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery, the American Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the American College of Colposcopists & Cervical Pathologists. He supported the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boys & Girls Club, Sertoma Club and Smitty’s Boxing Gym. He was a member of the Iowa Black Belt Association and Twin Oaks Country Club.

John was preceded in death by parents Maxwell and Maxine (Brock) Cisna, wife Janice (Dengle) Cisna of Des Moines and brother Robert Cisna of Madison WI. He is survived by his wife Jo of Springfield; sister Judy Raymond (Jerry Schartner) of Des Moines IA and six children – John (Kim) Cisna of Ankeny IA; Jeff (Jennifer) Cisna of Dove Canyon CA; Jennifer (Kirk) Christ of Heber UT; Eric (Heidi) Budreau of Highlands Ranch CO; Matt (Kristen) Budreau of Mission Viejo CA; Luc (Carli) Cisna of Denver, CO; as well as a special “son” Jermiah Hayden (Amanda) of Florence, SC. Other survivors include 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be from 1:30 pm to 3 pm Saturday Oct 12, 2024 at Wesley United Methodist Church with a celebration of life service to begin at 3 pm with Pastor Michael McIntyre officiating.

In lieu of flowers, John suggested a tax-deductible contribution to Wesley UMC 922 W. Republic Road Springfield, MO 65807, Smitty’s Boxing Gym 648 S. Scenic Ave. Springfield, MO 65802, Heart of the Ozarks “HOTO” Sertoma Club 4730 S. National Ave. Suite A1 Springfield, MO 65810, or another charity of choice.