Russell Mizer

J. Russell Mizer, 87 of New Philadelphia and formerly of Stone Creek, died Saturday, July 20, 2013 in Park Village Health Care Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Martin Luther and Janet Irena (Cline) Mizer, Russell was born near Stone Creek, Ohio on September 29, 1925.

Russell attended Stone Creek High School and during his Junior year he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in the European Theatre during World War II under the command of General George Patton and during the campaign he served in the Argonne Forest and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 2003, Russell became an honorary graduate of New Philadelphia High School in recognition of his service to his country.

On August 27, 1946, just a few months after receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Russell married the love of his life, the former Gladys Neading. Together the couple raised three children, Joseph, Susan and Jeffrey.

He was a lifelong farmer who had a great love for all animals and his John Deere Tractors. He was an avid hunter and trapper with his main focus being deer and raccoon. Russell was also a gifted woodworker and created many pieces of furniture in his home. He also carved baskets from peach pits and gave them as gifts to his family.

Russell was a member of Salem Evans Creek Lutheran Church as well as a member of the American Legion Post #679 of Baltic. He will be remembered for his wonderful story telling and sense of humor but most of all for the love he had for his family and how he cherished his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys; his children, Joseph (Terry) Mizer of New Philadelphia, Susan (Kenneth) Tango of Dover and Jeff Mizer of Columbus; his grandchildren, Kelli (Roman) Troyer, Chip (Amy) Mizer, Kristi (Jimi) Lorenz, Angela (Mike) Brady, Gina (Shane) Renfrew, Eric (Januery) Tango, Aaron Tango and Zac and Alex Mizer; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter, Ashtyn Troyer; a sister, Verna Mutti of Dover and several nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; two infant sons; three sisters, Audrey Ott, Erma Flinner and Madaline Shutt and three brothers, Mike, Chester and Carl Mizer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and again at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. A funeral sevice celebrating Russell’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. in Salem Evans Creek Lutheran Church with Rev. William Haggis and Rev. Hugh Berry officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Evans Creek Church Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon will be held in the Salem Community Center.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Russell by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Russell’s memory to the Salem Evans Creek Cemetery Fund c/o John Ridenour, 8645 Angel Valley Road, Stone Creek, OH 43840.