Bert L. Kizer, of Burr Ridge, IL, died of prostate cancer on Nov. 29, 2003, peacefully at his residence in Seattle, WA, with his family at his side. He was 73. Born Oct. 27, 1930 in Montpelier, OH, son of Weldon and Nina. He received his BS in Business Administration from Miami of Ohio in 1952, where he was a member and president his senior year of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955, stationed in Washington, DC. He spent 10 years with The Mead Corporation before starting his own business, Bert L. Kizer and Associates, Inc., a recruitment and placement business serving only the corrugated box industry. This innovative and successful business made him one of the most recognized and respected names in that industry. He sold this business in 1993, and was then active in mergers and acquisitions in the paper converting industries. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992, he faced this adversity with the combination of thoughtfulness and optimism that he displayed in all aspects of his life. He was a loving husband and father; a raconteur of great wit and charm; an outspoken student of politics, history and economics; a patron of the arts; a wise mentor and advisor; and an example of integrity and dependability in both business and personal life. The passing of this unique individual leaves a void in many lives. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Geoffrey of Seattle, WA; and sister, Sandra Karnes of Montpelier, OH. A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel. Visit http://www.bertkizer.com for more info.
