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Holgate High School Bowling Green State University University of Michigan

FUNERAL HOME

Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home & Crematory - Bryan Chapel

206 N Lynn St

Bryan, Ohio

Keith Biler Obituary

BILER

Keith L.

Keith L. Biler, 80 years, of Bryan, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Fountain Park, where he had been a resident. Keith was born December 26, 1933, in Holgate, Ohio, the son of the late Melvin and Hallie (Weber) Biler. Keith was a 1951 graduate of Holgate High School. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in January of 1963 with a bachelor of science degree. He then received his master of music education from the University of Michigan in the summer of 1968. He married Marlene E. "Pat" Mack on December 28, 1963, in Bryan, Ohio and she preceded him in death on April 8, 2011. Keith was a music teacher for several schools of Northwest Ohio during his career. He directed bands and choruses at Jackson Township Schools in Wood County for three years and Hicksville Exempted Village Schools for three years. He directed bands at Toledo Woodward High School for 10 years and bands at Rossford Schools for 15 years. Many of his students and groups won high ratings in the OMEA annual music contests. Keith retired in 1987. He was an Assistant Conductor of the Toledo Youth Orchestra for 10 years. He was a member of the Toledo Symphonic Orchestra for several seasons and truly enjoyed playing with the Toledo Concert Band for seven seasons at the free summer concerts at The Toledo Zoo. He was a member of many professional organizations including the Ohio Music Education Association of which he was District 1 President for one term, American School Band Directors Association, a National Honorary Fraternity and Phi Beta Mu (National Band Master Fraternity) to name a few. Keith enjoyed working with high school aged students and often said he couldn't wait to start each day. He touched many lives in a very positive way through his love of music. He had many outside interest which included following the Michigan Wolverine athletic teams.

Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat and two brothers, Norman and Joel Biler, he is survived by his sisters-in-law, Erma Biler of Holgate, Dee Mack of Defiance; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Phyllis) Mack of Bryan and Lee (Nancy) Mack of Defiance; nephews, Tim (Melinda) Biler of West Jefferson, Ohio, and children, Ashley (Anthony) Skinner and family and Nichol Biler; Ron (Sarah) Mack of Bloomington, Illinois and children, Shawn (Jennifer) Lane and Jessica (Jesse) Perganson and family; Craig (Theresa) Andrews of Sylvania and children, Shaun (Nancy) Andrews and family, Chrissy (Ron) Stacy and family; Tony Mack of Lansing, Michigan; Terry (Rachelle) McDonald of Defiance and children, Madison, Caroline and Katherine; nieces, Susan (Alan) Walker of Auburn, Alabama and children, John Ehrhart, Jackson and Matthew; Holly (John) Doseck of Bryan and daughter, Emily; Pam (Ron) Laux of Fort Wayne, Indiana and children, Meghan (Matt) Andrews and family, Colin Laux and family; Deborah (Cleve) Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; Christy (Steve) Lefere of Jackson, Michigan and children, Robby and Timmy Lefere.

To honor Keith's request, his body will be cremated and graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014, in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan. Immediately following graveside services, a Celebration of Life will be held at Jackie Blu's Restaurant. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Community Health Professionals Hospice, 127 Blakeslee Avenue, Bryan, Ohio 43506 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at:

www.oberlinturnbull.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Oct. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Biler

18 Entries

Jana Shreve Beltran

December 27, 2014

My sympathy to the many friends and family of Mr. Biler. He became our Band Director at the beginning of my sophomore year of high school(Rossford H.S.) I have rarely seen a leader have such a rapid and powerful positive impact on a musical ensemble. He was not only a superb musician and teacher, he was an example of how one dedicated and skilled person can make a dramatic improvement in a public high school. My career as a professional organist was influenced by his encouragement to major in music at BGSU. I am confident that he impacted many in their professional and personal lives. He was a truly great percussionist end educator. We owed the success of our Rossford HS band to him! with gratitude, Jana Shreve Beltran

Brian Combs

October 31, 2014

Mr Biler was my band director at Rossford and he made band fun and memorable. My son is currently a high school senior and in band and I relive my days marching and playing in concert band every time I see my son perform. Its been 30 years since my band days, and my memories of those days, and Mr. Biler are still with me. R.I.P.

Shelley Will (Mierzejewski)

October 30, 2014

So sorry to hear of this wonderful man's passing. I was a student of his 1982 -85, and will never forget Wind Ensemble or Marching Band! His song is in my soul. Prayers for his family.

Neil MacKinnon III

October 29, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Biler and his family. He was an institution in Rossford Ohio. I'll never forget every home game slapping him a high five before we took the field. RIP Mr.B.

Sincerely Yours,
Neil A MacKinnon III
Mayor of The Great City of ROSSFORD Ohio

Randa Witte Sweet

October 29, 2014

I am saddened to learn of Mr. Biler's passing. My experience in the Woodward band still serves me today. He was a great teacher!

Mariann (Rinker) Przysiecki

October 29, 2014

Mr. Biler started teaching me how to play the saxophone when I was 10 years old. Over the next 8 years not only did he guide me toward becoming a talented musician, he taught me life skills that I cannot thank him enough for. I often tell people that my fondest high school memories are from band, and that he was my favorite teacher. He will be missed.

Nadine Brand Felton

October 29, 2014

So sorry to hear about Mr. Biler, he was my band director at Rossford High School. He really shook things up when he came and made us an awesome marching band and strong at State competitions in concert band! Prayers of comfort for his family.

Bill stewart

October 29, 2014

The best teacher I ever had. He taught us life...not just music. He cared about all of us and I am grateful to have known him. Prayers to his family.

Carolyn Eiseman Hagemeyer

October 29, 2014

Sorry for your loss. He truly did bring out the best in his students. I was one of those students and feel Blesssed to have had him as my music teacher at Woodward.

Teresa Grant Marzec

October 29, 2014

So very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Biler... I never had him as a teacher as he was the Band Director and I didn't play an instrument but he was always nice to me when I saw him in the band building ...such a funny man... he will be missed by many...

Valerie Washeck

October 29, 2014

To the family of Keith Biler,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Mr. Biler. I was only fortunate to have been his student at Rossford High School for one year, but he certainly made a great impact on my life musically. Although he seemed to enjoy marching season, I knew that concert season was a true love as he attempted to teach us about musicality. He gave us opportunities to play truly challenging music and was always encouraging. He believed that playing music was a life long skill and encouraged us to continue to play even after high school, which I have continued to do. I thank him for the opportunities he afforded us in school to play music in a variety of venues throughout his time at Rossford. I'm so sorry for your loss.

judy stewart

October 29, 2014

My sympathy to the family of Mr Biler. I remember many days at Woodward High, with him at the helm directing our wonderful band back in the 70's..may he rest in peace

October 29, 2014

Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Biler. He was a very dedicated teacher and a great musician.

Sheila (landon) Beckman

October 29, 2014

Sorry for the loss of Mr.Biler he was a great teacher and taught me a great deal in music and self esteem.Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless you all.

Tina Young

October 29, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family of Keith Biler. My son (John Young-graduated 1982) and my daughter(Barb Young Nichols-graduated 1984) had him for a teacher. He brought out the best in them. The band was terrific while he was there. Thank you Keith Biler.

Kris Barrett-Daugherty

October 29, 2014

Keith Biler was my band director from 1977-1982. He made me want to be a better musician. Most of my best memories are from band. Thank you Mr. Biler.

Mr. Biler - 1973 Saga (Woodward HS yearbook)

Bernie Filipski

October 29, 2014

My most sincere condolences go out to the Biler family. And to the extended family of Mr. Biler, the countless students that he affected in so many positive ways. We all know what he meant to our lives, mine at Woodward High School, where he carried on the proud tradition of Polar Bear musical excellence. The world is lesser place without him, and I was a better person for having known him.

Steve Shufeldt

October 29, 2014

To the family and friends of Keith Biler; he was my teacher at Rossford from 1979-82. Clearly the best most passionate teacher I ever had. I learned more than just music from him!!

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