John Cisneros

John L. Cisneros, 64, passed away at University of Chicago Medical Center on October 2, 2021, from complications from cancer.

He is the cherished son of Maria M. Cisneros and the late Luis N. Cisneros, beloved husband of Rhonda L. Cermak, devoted father of Lisa M. Ladendorf (Keith) and doting grandfather of Donovan.

John was born March 10, 1957 in Brownsville, Texas. Some of his fondest childhood memories were playing at his grandfather’s (Eduardo) ranch with his beloved sister and brother, Dr. Laura E. Cisneros, and Albert Cisneros (Ana), and their many cousins.

An avid music fan since birth, John was gifted a trumpet for his 13th birthday from his mother, Maria, and the official musician in him was born. He would own and play that trumpet for the rest of his life.

His love of music was only second to his love for his family, and he played in several bands over his lifetime. He enjoyed singing and hosting karaoke for several years at the local watering hole, and for private parties, and acted as an occasional DJ.

John worked at Ryerson Steel for more than thirty years before retiring in his early 50’s. A man with a strong work ethic, and not one to sit around, he soon began working again and would spend his final years as a security guard at Lyons Township High School.

John had a strong sense of community and became a valued member of the Brookfield Police Department’s Auxiliary team, a position he would hold for more than 20 years, eventually becoming Treasurer. Through his work with the police department and because of his musicianship, he was invited to play Taps for several years at various Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services. Community members may also remember him as the “dancing cop,” who would lead people in line dances while patrolling Brookfield’s annual summer dances in the street.

John was loved by all who knew him. In addition to his family mentioned above, John is survived by his loving nephews and nieces, Christian Cisneros, Ryan Cermak, Jamie Cermak, Jacquelyn Kendrick Humphreys (Adam), and Mark Kendrick (Leslie), his dear brothers and sisters –in- law, Denise and Dave Kendrick, and Jeff and Donna Cermak, and cherished Aunts Enriqueta Bermea (Felipe) and Adelita Hinojosa (Oscar), and Uncle Daniel Treviño. John was preceded in death by his aunt Eudelia.

As John was a strong supporter of veterans, the military and law enforcement, we are asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (DAV).