Andrew James Mizen's Obituary
Andrew James Mizen, husband, son, brother, nephew, godfather, awesome uncle, and close friend to so many, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the The James Cancer Center in Columbus, OH, at the age of 41.
He battled angiosarcoma – a rare and aggressive form of cancer – for 14 months with relentless courage and grace. All the while applying his unique sense of optimistic humor, inspiring the medical staff to remark: “God uses people like Andy to show us how to carry life’s toughest challenges.”
Born October 9, 1983, in Toledo, OH, Andy was the youngest child of James Robert Mizen and Ann Elizabeth Mizen (Marshall). He graduated from GESU Catholic School in 1998, and St. Francis de Sales High School in 2002, where he excelled in math and science while playing varsity soccer for SFS as well as for the highly-competitive Toledo Celtics club travel team. Andy went on to study computer science at The Ohio State University and later became an IT Specialist.
Andy's life changed in 2008 when he met his best friend and wife, Kiley Culkowski. Throughout their relationship, they loved to travel and made the most of opportunities to visit Poland, Japan, and France. They also spent a great deal of time vacationing at her family’s cottage on Iron Creek Mill Pond. After years of partnership, they married on February 28, 2025.
Ever curious, he frequently went down scientific and mathematical rabbit holes in research of interesting topics. Andy made friends easily and enjoyed engaging in thoughtful discussions on any subject – always offering a fun debate or listening ear.
Andy had a passion for and excelled at competitive pool, as well as video games, and many other sports, especially those played with friends. He found satisfaction in helping and entertaining others, demonstrated early on as a soccer referee and music DJ. This commitment to serving others continued throughout his IT career at a large internet provider, where he gained certifications and recognition for both his superior customer service and his knowledge of network operations – consistently resolving problems quickly with patience and dedication to his team.
Family was of great importance to Andy. He treasured visits with his parents, concerts and sporting events with his brother, sister and their families, as well as Kiley’s family alike. He especially loved being called "Uncle Awesome" and cherished the time his young niece affectionately called him "The Gawd-father."
Andy is survived by his wife, Kiley Culkowski, and their pets, Gizmo, Asia, and Dawkins; his parents, James and Ann Mizen (Marshall); parents-in-law Kevin and Nancy Culkowski (Nerowski); his sister, Sarah (Brett) Reese and children Jonas, Lillian, and Nolan; his brother Daniel (Lindsay) Mizen; his sister-in-law Amanda Culkowski; his sister-in-law Nikki (Ryan) Culkowski and child Edwin; his sister-in-law Brittany (Garret) Culkowski; and his sister-in-law Kelsey (Mike) Culkowski.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations on Andy’s behalf be made to offset medical expenses: https://gofund.me/b5ff85a6
A private “Benefit for Andy” is planned for Saturday, June 28, 2025, with a “Celebration of Life” scheduled for a future date.
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