Kenneth Michael Cissna

Kenneth Michael Cissna, lovingly known as “Vovo,” passed away on September 9, 2026. Born on July 22, 1967, at French Hospital in San Francisco, California, Kenny grew up in Burlingame alongside his brother, Dean Cissna.

Kenny was more Vulcan than human. He was many things to many people: charming and sarcastic. Brilliant and witty. He had a way of making an impression—and usually made you laugh while doing it. 

Kenny built a career centered around helping people. He worked as a bilingual case coordinator for RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) and later for the City of Columbia. He was a passionate advocate for the unhoused community in Columbia, dedicating his time and energy to people who were often overlooked. Along the way, he became a “Dad” to countless people who needed someone in their corner.

Kenny was also deeply passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and proudly represented his gym, Cavalo BJJ. He brought the same intensity, intelligence, and personality to the mat that he brought to everything else he did. Outside of work and the gym, Kenny loved music. He followed Formula 1 racing, rode motorcycles, loved Star Wars and could happily lose himself in The History Channel. He loved spending his time teaching his grandchildren about science. 

Kenny is survived by his children, Zack Cissna, Kelsey Ryan, and Levi Holt; and his grandchildren, Milo Stewart, Lucas Holt and Van Hogan. He is also survived by his brother, Dean Cissna, and by the many people whose lives he touched and who came to think of him as family.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Cissna, and his mother, Manuela Cissna.

Kenny leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind stories, inside jokes, lessons, tattoos we may never fully understand, music that will remind us of him, and an enormous community of people who were better for having known him.

And because Kenny would probably have something sarcastic to say about anyone attempting to summarize his life in a few paragraphs, his family invites everyone who knew and loved him to come share their own stories.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N Garth Ave, Columbia, MO 65202. At 11:30 a.m., there will be an open mic for friends and family to share their favorite Kenny-isms, stories, and memories.

Come tell a story. Come laugh. Come cry. Come remember Vovo the way he would want to be remembered: as himself.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Cissna family.

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