FRANCIS J. BIEL

Francis J. Biel, 82, of 631 Market St., Johnsonburg, died Tuesday morning, April 14, 2015 at Pinecrest Manor in St. Marys following a lengthy illness.
He was born Sept. 14, 1932 in Rasselas, son of the late John and Barbara Biel.

He married Marie C. Mishenko on Dec. 31, 1956 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, and she survives.

He resided in Johnsonburg since 1973 and received his GED in Hawaii while in the service.

He retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service in December 1972 as a Master Sergeant with the HQ & Service Battery 3rd Battallion 79th FA USAREUR.
He had served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War where he was awarded multiple awards and commendations including the Air Medal and Merit Badge for saving lives and for his service in multiple battles and conflicts in each war.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Church.

Francis enjoyed woodworking, remodeling his home, gardening and fishing.

He was employed by Keystone Carbon Co. of St. Marys for 22 years before retiring in 1994.

In addition to his wife at home, he is survived by one son, John F. Biel and his wife Frances of Ludlow; one daughter, Christine M. Biel Smith and her partner James Dippold of Vero Beach, Fla.;
two grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mrs. Corey Ackley and John Paul Biel and his wife Susan; six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent, Walter, Leo, Andrew and Michael Biel.

A Funeral Service for Francis J. Biel will be conducted at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg on Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m.
Officiating will be Rev. Philip Pinczewski, Pastor of St. Callistus Church, Kane.
Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Ridgway.
Military honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg Servicemen's Detail.

Published in The Daily Press on Apr. 15, 2015