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Michael Biel Obituary

BIEL MICHAEL RAYMOND BIEL On March 17, 2008 of heart complications. Born May 22, 1946 in Sparta, Wisconsin. The proudest and most loving father of Gus Seestedt and Jane Biel, step-father of Peter and Andrew Conner; brother of Jeffery and Mary Ellen; son of Betty Jane and the late Donald Earl; preceded in death by siblings John, Laurie Elizabeth and Kathleen. Memorial reception on Sunday, March 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Night Club 9:30. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gus and Jane Education Fund, P.O. Box 21176, Washington, DC 20009.

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Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Biel

21 Entries

John Burke

April 10, 2008

I've known Mike since first grade at St. Patrick's School.We then went on to high school together.And stayed friends until the very end. Mike was a true friend and good person. We will miss you , and may you rest in peace. My condolences to all his family.

Marilyn Randolph

April 9, 2008

I went to grade school at St. Pat's in Sparta and Sparta High School
with Mike. I remember the way he helped me with those history tests. If it wasn't for him I would never have passed. I also emember him as friendly, helpful and witty. I haven't seen him since our 20 year class reunion. My deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time. May he
rest in peace.

Kathy Gleiss

April 8, 2008

The Biels were our neighbors on Main Street in Sparta. The stories about Mike and his family are too numerous to relate here, but suffice it to say Mike was "cool" before anyone in Sparta knew what "cool" was. He was my older sister, Holly's, age and back then he had personality and intelligence that made him standout among the West Main Street gang. Over the years, he would always stop in and visit my mom, Teenie and when I was there or I spoke to her, it was apparent that he reveled in the memories of his childhood and friends. I am so sorry he was taken too soon from those for whom he loved and cared. My condolences to all his family and friends.

Mike Rice

April 8, 2008

I've known Mike since grade school. He was a grade behind me. We were in Scouts together. We saw one another whenever he came to town. I last saw him four or five years ago at the time of Don's memorial service. He was around for 17 days and we met often during that period. He really got a looksee at Sparta during those 17 days. He was reconnecting.

Dick Massey

April 7, 2008

I first met Mike in 1956, 5th grade St. Pat's. Our first encounter wasn't very pleasant, we got into an after school fight, in which Mike came out on top. Instead of gloating, he came over to me as I was laying on the court house lawn, shook my hand and said he would like to be friends. We became friends from that day on. Mike always made sure I was involved in the activities he was involved in. He was the reason I joined the Boy Scouts, became a Cub Scout Pack Leader and became involved in sports. Mike was a genuine leader. I will miss his great smile. Rest in peace dear friend.

Jim Schauf

April 6, 2008

Mike was the first person i became aquainted with when I arrived, fresh from the farm, for first grade at St. Pat's, We became great friends and spent may hours riding horse as well as playing all kinds of sports throughout our childhood. He was always a leader in everything. He will be sorrily missed.

Robert Bloom

April 5, 2008

Mike was a friend of mine for nearly 50 years. He was always an up-beat and open-minded person. He was very hospitable, first when I arrived to live in Sparta, and then when I visited him periodically in DC. He was genuine and one-of-a-kind. I will miss him.

Kathy Will Irons

April 3, 2008

I knew Mike all through grade school and high school. He and I were very competitive with grades and test scores. He always asked what my grade or score was on a test and when his was higher he'd give this huge grin, which happened way more often than I liked. He was always friendly and kind. I also knew his sister, "Bugger". My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace in heaven.

Tom Wendel

April 2, 2008

Mike was a college housemate and a good friend. I saw him sporadically since then. It was never often enough. My condolences to his family and to his friends.

Fran Stroud

April 1, 2008

I went to Grade School at St Pat's in Sparta Wi. and Sparta Senior High School with Mike, lots of childhood memories, also with his sister Kathy who past away in 2001. My sincere sympathies to his family. Fran Hoffman/Stroud

Joyce McCarthy

April 1, 2008

My memories of Mike go way way back-1956, Saint Pat's School, Sparta, WI. My first crush, I remember ice skating on Saturday afternoons, he would walk me home afterwards, a nice, considerate boy. From what I have been reading, these are traits he carried into his manhood.
My sympathies to his children, family and friends.
Joyce Massey McCarthy
Sparta, WI

jan brenner - zonon

March 31, 2008

It was impossible not to love Michael. I first met him over 35 years ago. Though I had not seen him in many years, through our mutual friend, Larry Sorkin, I was kept up to date on Michael's whereabouts. We always sent regards and love to one another through Larry and it was through him that I learned of Michael's passing. I will never forget the summer I orchestrated a job for
them both as Hampton House Boys!
Memories to last a lifetime.
Sweet dreams beautiful man.
To Gus and Jane..your dad was a supernova of all things wonderful.
ja

Amy Heyman

March 31, 2008

My cousin was married to Michael years ago, so I knew him way back when. My deepest sympathies to Gus and Jane and all of Michael's friends and other family members.

Ian L

March 30, 2008

The first time I met Mike, we were standing outside the building where we both worked, on a hot summer day back in the late 90s. I had just arrived in DC and didn't really know that many people, and wasn't at all settled in. I was looking stressed out, apparently, because Mike bothered asking me what was wrong. I was happy to unleash a litany of what I thought were big problems - I had no place to live, I had no connections, heck, I didn't even know where to go to get a good burger. He paused and looked at me, covered up a laugh with his hand, and in his own calm way told me not to worry - and that I was just at the beginning - and that it was the fun part. Over the next ten minutes he gave had leads on fixing all my so-called problems. Over the next ten years, Mike was always willing to help whenever I needed it.

DC isn't exactly chock full of helpful people who have time for strangers, especially people much younger than them, so this meant a lot to me. Mike was always different that way, and it seemed like he knew everyone in the city because of it.

I really knew Mike only casually, seeing him regularly downtown but usually only talking for a few minutes at a time. He didn't provide a lot of insight into his life, other than to talk about how great his kids were, but he always remembered the details of mine. He saw me grow up essentially, and he always seemed just as bemused with me as the day I met him.

I could tell from the advice Mike gave me that he was someone who might have done some things differently a second time through. But he also wasn't the type to get occupied with staring in the rear-view mirror. So I won't, either.

I'll just say, thanks Mike, for all you did for me, and for always taking the time to help out a friend.

To those who knew Mike more and Mike loved most, thanks for sharing him with me.

Diane Cary-thomson

March 29, 2008

Our deepest sympathies to Michael's family and friends. He was a lovely man.
Diane and Kenner Thomson
Severna Park, Md.

Peter Shoenfeld

March 29, 2008

Michael was a friend of my wife's back in the '70s, when I met him a few times. My condolences to his family.

Lawrence Sorkin

March 28, 2008

Michael was my brother-in-law and a true brother to me in every way possible. His love, sincerety and kindness to everone he touched will forever be remembered. Michael is, and will forever be my champion on a White Charger. Rest in peace my sweet prince. I will always remember the lessons and love you have always shared. May you now find the elusive peace that you were forever searching for.

With all my love,
Larry Sorkin

Mark Gehan

March 28, 2008

I went to college with Mike Biel. He was a good friend and I'm glad to have known him. My sympathies to his family.

Mary Connole

March 28, 2008

The world is a little less friendly without Michael in it. I feel grateful to have known him and will miss him.

Marilyn Shoenfeld

March 28, 2008

I knew Michael for 30 years; have not seen him much in recent times, but will miss him. My condolences to his family. Marilyn Korenyi Shoenfeld

Betsy Donahoe

March 28, 2008

What a guy! What a loss. Michael was a true blue hero. And everyone who knew him will miss him every day.