Gilbert A. Mizer

Gilbert A. Mizer, age 90, a lifelong resident of the Tuscarawas Valley, passed away peacefully with his family at his side Sunday, June 26, 2011 following a sudden health ailment. Born in Stone Creek, Ohio on March 4, 1921, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Goldie M. (Kohler) Mizer. After graduating from Stone Creek High School in 1941, Gilbert honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Blackpool, England as an airplane mechanic.While in the service, Gilbert married his high school sweetheart, the former Sara Catherine Sulzener, whom he wed on June 20, 1943. They enjoyed a life together until her passing on June 8, 2005. Together, they were lifelong members of the former Grace United Church of Christ in Stone Creek.Gilbert was a 65-year member of the Carpenters Union Local #69. After 22 years of employment at J. A. Raeder as a carpenter, he retired in 1986. However, his love for carpentry continued, and he created numerous furniture pieces for both family and friends in the community. Gilbert also enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and sharing the bounty with others. Gilbert is survived by his loving family, which includes two daughters, Patty (Danny) McMillin of Kent, and Anne Mizer of New Philadelphia; sons, Charles (Pam) Mizer of New Philadelphia, and William (Lynn) Mizer of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Juanita (Harold) Snyder of Sugarcreek, and Mary (Duane) Kerr of Waukegon, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Velma Sulzener of Sharon Center; a brother, Wayne (Arlene) Mizer of Stone Creek; five grandchildren, Stephanie and Ben Mizer, Chad (Erin) and Mitch Mizer, and Jason (Jennifer) McMillin; and six great-grandchildren, Brooke, Nicole, Hannah, and Lauren McMillin and Evan and Lydia Mizer.In addition to his parents and wife, Gilbert was preceded in death by an infant grandson.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday, June 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Gilbert’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel on Friday beginning at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Rob Roberts officiating. Burial alongside his wife will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, where a luncheon will be served.Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.Memorial contributions may be directed to either the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, PO Box 634445, Cincinnati, O. 45263-4445 or the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, O. 44406.