PAUL NICHOLAS BIEL

1934 - 2017

ANTIOCH - Paul Nicholas "Paul - Nick" Biel died suddenly on September 21, 2017 at the age of 83. Alice Pofahl gave birth to Paul on March 2, 1934, and he was then adopted from The Cradle in Evanston, Illinois by Louis and Myrtle (nee Oetting) Biel. In his early years, Paul lived in Riverside, Illinois, and in 1945 the Biels moved to Antioch. Paul graduated from Antioch Community High School in 1952, where he played on both the basketball and football teams. He then graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana with a degree in history and economics. Paul served two years in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After meeting Aileen Fosh of Essex, England at a hotel bar in Menton, France, they wrote letters to one another for years before marrying in 1959. After briefly living in Rogers Park, Illinois, the couple moved to Antioch, living in the former Oetting Ice and Coal Company foreman's house. Throughout his life, Paul was either self-employed or worked as a salesman and professional headhunter for various companies. Paul was a longtime member of the PM&L Theater in Antioch, working behind the scenes and on stage. He was also a long serving member of the Antioch Rotary Club where he assisted with the annual auction, helped with scholarship interviews, and hosted numerous foreign exchange students. As an intrepid traveler, Paul visited places all over the world, with highlights including Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, South America, Africa, Canada, and many parts of Europe. His friends and family will fondly remember his uncanny knowledge of history and geography, his love of humor, stories, and jokes, and his unwavering, effusive encouragement and support. Paul is survived by his wife Aileen, children Mark (Debbie) of Springfield, IL, Jennifer Franco (John) of Kenosha, WI, Andrew (Lyn) of Port Townsend, WA, and Stephen (Beth) of Milford, OH as well as grandchildren Nathan, Samantha, Katie, Daniel, Thomas, Grace, and Elias. He is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Myrtle Biel of Sun City, AZ and sister Gretchen of Phoenix, AZ. A celebration of Paul Nick's life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the PM&L Theater, 877 Main St. (Hwy. 83) in Antioch. Friends may call from 1:00 PM until the service at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Bob Wang officiating. A reception of light refreshments and time for reflection will follow in the PM&L Theater's Tribute Hall and Lobby. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Paul Nick's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Cradle, PM&L Theater, or the Antioch Rotary Club. The family would like to thank Alaskan Airlines, Spokane Airport personnel, and the Sacred Heart ER staff in Spokane.