John David Mizer

John David Mizer, 53, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 surrounded by his family at his home. John was born on February 7, 1955 in Murphysboro, the son of Roger and Hazel Gale Mizer. He married Christine M. Johnson on November 14, 1981 in Chester, IL. John graduated from Chester High School. He was a groundskeeper for the Illinois Secretary of State - Department of Physical Services, and retired in March 2008 after 32 years of service. He loved to be outdoors, to hunt, fish, and to garden. He loved spending time with his family and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Springfield. John coached St. Cabrini boy's and girl's basketball for five years, the Dale Teubner Little League girl's softball team and boy's baseball team for several years, and the Boy's Catholic Youth Organization for two years. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, Perry G. Mizer. He is survived by his wife, Christine; two sons, John A. Mizer and Jacob M. Mizer both of Springfield; a daughter, Kayla M. Mizer of Springfield; two brothers, Steven L. (wife, Kathy) Mizer of Forsyth and Roger D. (wife, Kari) Mizer of Springfield; three sisters, Beverly J. (husband, Albert) Hall, Patricia G. (husband, Patrick) Smith and Barbara K. (husband, Joseph) Badorski all of Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. with Rev. Richard L. Chiola, celebrant. Graveside ceremonies will be on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Chester, IL with Rev. Eugene Wojcik officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Autism Program, Central Illinois Regional Training and Service Center at The Hope Institute for Children and Families, 5220 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703 or Hospice Care of Illinois (VNA), 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914.