Paul Mizer, 56, of Maria Stein, died Dec. 3, 2011, in Maria Stein.

He was born Aug. 15, 1955, in Stone Creek, to Mike and Betty Neading Mizer. On Feb. 29, 1992, he married Penny Preston, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Oksana and Karina, at home; brothers and sisters, Linda (Dave) Canfield, New Philadelphia, Norma (John) Brink and Dan (Jo) Mizer, all of Fresno, and John (Maggie) Mizer, Stone Creek; parents-in-law, Bud and MaryAnn Preston, Montezuma; a sister-in-law, Nancy (Alan) Morse, Westerville; and a brother-in-law, Tod (Diane) Preston, Celina.

He was an educator for 35 years, 28 of those years spent in the Marion Local School District. Most recently, he was a third grade teacher. He previously served as band director at Miami East Schools for eight years and at Marion Local for 16 years.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein, where he was organist and music director, and was a member of the American Music Guild of Organists. He also researched and wrote a book recounting the history of the church for its 175th anniversary earlier this year.

Funeral Mass is 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Gene Schnipke officiating.

Calling is 2 to 8 p.m. today at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

A second service is 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Salem Evans Creek Lutheran Church, Stone Creek, Pastor William Haggis officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at the church cemetery.

Contributions may be made to his daughters' education fund in care of St. Henry Bank or to the St. John Church Wish List.

Condolences can be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.