John D. Kizer, MD

Dr. John D. Kizer, MD, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away surrounded by family at home on April 14, 2025. He was 71 years old, born on April 15, 1953, in Needles, California, to the late Harold and Edith Kizer. He was a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Parker, Arizona.

Dr. Kizer dedicated over three decades of his life to trauma medicine, where his quick thinking and surgical expertise saved countless lives. His passion for acute care surgery was evident throughout his distinguished career. He served at Banner Desert Level 1 Trauma Center in Mesa, Arizona, from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, he worked at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Level 2 Trauma Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, (2008-2016) and Community Medical Center Level 2 Trauma Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1996-2008), where he also served as Associate Director (1996-1997). He began his trauma surgery career at West Virginia University Level 1 Trauma Center in Morgantown, West Virginia (1990-1996).

Dr. Kizer received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with High Honors from the University of California, Davis (1976). He attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine (1977-1980) before receiving his medical degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine in 1984. He completed his surgical residency at Boston University Affiliated Hospitals, where he also served as Chief Resident. His training concluded with a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut.

His commitment to advancing trauma care extended beyond the operating room. Dr. Kizer was devoted to educating the next generation of surgeons, serving as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine (2012-2016) and Assistant Professor at West Virginia University (1990-1996). His excellence in teaching was recognized when he was named Teacher of the Year in 2016.

Dr. Kizer was board certified in General Surgery and held added qualifications in Surgical Critical Care. He was an active member of the American Medical Association, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the PEEP Society.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Nancy Kizer; his children, Sara and partner Robert, Matthew, Jonathan, and Nathan and wife Olivia; his two grandchildren Hannah and James—both brought him great joy; and his brother Michael, his nephew Christopher and niece Jillian, and his cousin Christine Wellington.

Beyond his distinguished medical career, John was a man of diverse passions and boundless curiosity. He was an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, specifically enjoying books about different cultures, countries, historical events, and science fiction. His love of the outdoors drew him to fishing and hiking whenever time allowed. John found relaxation through playing computer games, which served as his way of unwinding after demanding days saving lives. He was known for his remarkable ability to strike up conversations with anyone he encountered—never meeting a stranger. A passionate food enthusiast, John especially treasured meals prepared by his beloved Nancy, with a particular fondness for traditional Korean cuisine and breakfast foods of all kinds. His greatest joy came from being “Papa” to his granddaughter Hannah, who held a special place in his heart, and he was overjoyed to welcome his newest grandson James to the family.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ, 85297, with a viewing one-hour before the service at 1:00 PM. A reception will be held following the service. All are welcome to attend.