John R. Sisk

John R. Sisk, 70, of Equality, Illinois passed away peacefully on January 22, 2024. John was born on May 18, 1953 in East St. Louis, Illinois to William “Bill” Sisk and Maybelle Wilson Sisk. John grew up in Equality, graduating from Equality High School in 1970 before attending Southeastern Illinois College and SIU Carbondale. John spent most of his career as a salesman of sporting goods and industrial products. After retiring, John worked part time at Point Blank Range in Harrisburg, where he combined his skills as a salesman with his love and extensive knowledge of firearms.

John was a gifted conversationalist who never met a stranger. His ability to connect with people through shared interests led to many long-lasting friendships across the country. John knew a little bit about everything, but when it came to his hobbies and interests, he was meticulous about the details. Some of John’s interests over the years included fishing, firearms, photography, and wine making. Later in life, John became an avid motorcyclist, taking many cross-country trips by himself and with his riding buddies. He particularly loved visiting the western United States, his favorite state and riding spot being Idaho.

John’s biggest passion in life was his children, and anyone who knew him knew how much he loved and was proud of his “babies”. He never missed an opportunity to tell them as much. You could always count on John to be at every school function or extracurricular activity involving his kids. During the summers, John’s house often became a hub for the neighborhood kids, where smoked meats, backyard camping, and competitive games of hide-and-seek were the norm. John was even more proud when he finally became a Pap to his grandbabies, and took every opportunity to spoil them.

John’s legacy will live on through his kids and the many lessons taught and stories told through the years. He will be deeply missed.

John is survived by daughter Rebecca (Eric) Lohman of Breese, Illinois; son Ryan (Emily) Sisk of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Asher and Scarlett Lohman; brothers Frank (Denise) Sisk of Equality and David (Veronica) Sisk of Corpus Christi, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois Elder, and brother Bob Sisk.

At John’s request, a funeral service will not be held. The family will honor John’s life with a private ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery in Equality, where his cremated remains will be buried in the family plot. The family will announce a celebration of life gathering for friends and family at a later date.