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Richard Biel Obituary
He was born Aug. 28, 1928, to Edward and Carrie Biel.
A longtime resident of Crystal Lake, his first job was as a lifeguard at the beach. He graduated with a business degree from University of Colorado. He married his true love, Jeanne O'Connor, on Sept. 16, 1950, and raised his family in Crystal Lake. He worked in electronic sales at Oak Industries, RCA and TRW Electronics. In 1971, he joined his beloved brother-in-law, George Costello at Essex-Costello Real Estate, where he excelled in selling homes in the town that he loved. He started Biel Real Estate after selling his interest in Essex-Costello. He gave back to his community by providing his leadership in civic organizations including the Crystal Lake Jaycees, Crystal Lake Lions Club, the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, the McHenry County Board of Realtors, the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Country Club, the Board of Directors of Amcore Bank and the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission. He was voted McHenry County Realtor of the Year in 1991. His many interests included swimming, sailing, fishing, hunting, skiing, jogging, playing the saxophone and especially golfing.
He loved his large family, and he loved a good party. In 1994, he moved to Tucson to concentrate on his golf game, be close to his children, and work in real estate. He continued his community service by joining the Tucson Elks Club.
He is survived by his loving children, Daniel Biel of Tucson, Barbara (Gayle) Lange of Brocton, Nancy (David) Stewart of Tucson, Elizabeth Biel of Crystal Lake, Julie (Marc) Claussen of Crystal Lake, James (Laurie) Biel of Island Lake and Mary (Bob) Hayn of Payson, Ariz.; his grandchildren, Liz (Kris) Howard, Adam Stewart, Derek Hayn, Camille Claussen, Cassidy (Paul) Middaugh, Anna Lange, James Lange, Anna Claussen and Riley Biel; and his great-grandchildren, Logan Howard and Payton Howard.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved brothers, Eugene and Don; an infant son, John; and his dear wife, Jeanne.
A memorial celebration of his life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake.
Donations may be made in his honor to the Raue Center for the Arts.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Biel
6 Entries
Annette Malloy
April 6, 2011
Dear Biel Family,
My memories include homemade ice cream on the back porch, the fish pond, your Dad making me try sardines!, the real hopscotch painted on your patio.
Your dad was very special...I was very welcomed in your home for many years.
Prayers for all of you,
Annette Riley Malloy
April 6, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. We worked at EC together for many years
Dee Meyer
March 31, 2011
Julie, So sorry to hear about your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Leahy & Mackenzie
HARRY DILLON
March 31, 2011
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
Harry & Marion Dillon
Rick Wyatt
March 31, 2011
Sorry for your loss
Michael Isitoro
March 31, 2011
Julie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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