John C. Cisna

John C. Cisna, 73, of Springfield, died Thursday, November 4, 2010. He was born on August 1, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa, son of Herbert and Helen Danielson Cisna. His parents preceded him in death. John grew up on a farm in Gladstone, Illinois. He showed cattle for 4-H, then found his true calling, harness racing. He attended Oklahoma State University where he met Gloria A. Geis. They were married on November 21, 1959, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009. Following graduation, they moved to Springfield in 1962. He set up a stable at the Illinois State Fairgrounds where he trained horses for many years. He became an active member of First United Methodist Church and was a founding member of the Up & Comers Sunday School class. In 1968, John was elected to the Board of Directors of the United States Trotting Association, and at the time of his death was its second longest serving Director. He also served as President of the Review Stakes. He co-founded the Illinois Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association in the 1970s and served as its Executive Director at the time of his death. He was also a past president of the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association. In 1996, he was elected to the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughter, Stephanie (Alan) Pennington and granddaughter Kate of Edwardsville; son, Brian (Jennifer) Cisna and grandchildren Kaylee, Paige, Bethany and Aaron of Leander, Texas; sister, Janet Lee of Ohio; five nephews; and one niece. Family will receive friends from 9:00-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at First United Methodist Church, 2941 South Koke Mill Road, Springfield, followed by a funeral ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 2941 South Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711, Christian Harness Horsemen's Association, 1846 Ross Rd., Sunbury, OH 43074 or the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 74074-7043.