John Cizek

John Cizek

September 15, 1930 – October 11, 2021

John Thomas Cizek, Jr. passed away on October 11, 2021. He was born on September 15, 1930 in Edgewood, IL, son of John Thomas Cizek, Sr. and Eva Rebecca Cizek (nee Wharton).

John earned his BS degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and an MA degree in Psychology from the State University of Iowa. After serving in the Navy (Lt USN) he married Alma B. Cooper on July 31, 1954, at the Great Lakes (Lake Forest) Illinois Chapel. He and Alma were married for 66 years. Growing up he was known as Tom or Tommy since he was a 'junior', and later in life by some as Jay.

John was in the Naval Reserves. He worked for several major manufacturing companies, always in Human Resources, focused on individual assessment, succession planning, and intermediate and senior level recruiting. He was a chief human resources officer for the Marmon Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, before becoming a human resources management consultant, specifically retained executive search. He had a special relationship with his daughter Marti and finished his search career working in her firm, Cizek Associates. Everyone thought it was his company and his daughter enjoyed letting the impression thrive.

John developed an interest in flying and he and his wife became private pilots and owned a Cessna 4-passenger airplane. Flying was one of his favorite pastimes, most often flying for pleasure, but also flying for work related travel requirements over a 35-year period.

John always had animals and came to understand and appreciate the wonder of having horses, cats and dogs in his life. He supported his wife's hobby of showing horses and dogs. John cared deeply about people and he had an amazing sense of humor. He was the kind of person who always gave more than he received and he wanted it that way. He believed nothing was more important in life than the quality of your relationships. John was a special person who lived a life full of adventure and who brightened the lives of so many others. He was a good neighbor. We will remember his kindness, his positive and inspirational influence, the great conversations, all of the laughter, and his big, generous heart.

John is survived by his daughter, Marti Cizek, grandchildren Luke Cizek and Kelle Ramsey, and great-grandchildren Della and Watson Cizek and Ellis Ramsey. John is preceded in death by his wife Alma, his sister Katherine, and his brother Jerome.