Robert Biehl

Robert Lee Biehl, 93, of Mancelona died peacefully in his sleep on November 20th at Meadow Brook MCF. Robert (or Bob, as he liked to be called) was born on September 13, 1923 in Mancelona, the son of Gerald, Sr. and Laura Marie (Easter) Biehl. The family moved to a farm on Wetzel Lake Road when he was two. He went to Wetzel Country School through the 8th grade and graduated, as Salutatorian of his class from Mancelona High School. On September 28, 1941, he married his sweetheart, Evida A. Donaldson.

Bob served in the United States Army Air Force, during World War II. and was honorably discharged on Christmas Eve in 1945. He served in New Caledonia, Bougainville, Hickam Field, Hawaii and the Philippines. Bob received one battle star, along with several other commemorative medals.

Bob was employed by Gerald Biehl and son in Bellaire for a few years. His next position was as an agent for State Farm Insurance and he also worked at the Antrim County State Savings Bank in Mancelona. He then owned and operated the Pleasant Grove Motel for fourteen years, now known as the Mancelona Motel. After that, he was a self-employed truck driver, transporting turkey-hatching eggs to Zeeland, Michigan, West Virginia, and Missouri. He also drove school bus for the Mancelona Public Schools from 1957 to 1964. He worked for Shanty Creek, as a night auditor from 1968 to 1978 and then Antrim County Transportation from 1978 until retirement in March of 1995.

Bob and Evida enjoyed travel and vacationed in Florida for three weeks each year. They have been to all 50 states, as well as all of the Canadian Provinces except Newfoundland. He enjoyed cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean. In 1996, he travelled extensively in Europe with his son, Bobb.

He was a member of Pathway Community Church (formerly known as Mancelona Missionary Church), where he served on the church board. He was also a Sundy School teacher, Youth leader and Greeter. He greatly enjoyed singing in a quartet.

In May, 2013 Meadow Brook MCF, Glacier Hill cottage, became Bob's home. He was lovingly cared for by the many extraordinary staff members and loved participating in activities with the many friends he made there. In January 2016, Bob was named Resident of the Month and (per Glacier Hill Staff), was a "favorite" there, because of his gracious, grateful spirit. During his 93rd birthday week, he broke his record by catching 10 fish in one day from the MB pond. He also enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk Show each week, attending chapel services, special music events, and playing bingo. He loved to win prizes, but rarely kept them for himself, because he took such great delight in giving them to his friends.

Bob is survived by one son, Bobb (Cheryl) Biehl of Scottsdale, Az.; one daughter, Jann (Jerry) Bach of Mancelona; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren; four great, great grandchildren, two brothers, James (Darlene) Biehl of Torch Lake and Don Biehl of Mancelona; three sisters, Helen Northrup of Silversprings, Florida; Mary Mehlberg of Mancelona, Betty Duerksen of Mancelona; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evida A. Biehl; a granddaughter, Jenny Leigh Bach; and three brothers, Harold, Art, and Gerald.

Bob's family members are looking forward to greeting friends on Saturday, November 26th from 11:00-1:00 at the Mancelona Chapel of the Mortensen Funeral Home. Those who wish to attend the funeral, which will begin at 1:30 p.m., will then proceed to Pathway Community Church . Interment with military honors will follow services at Fairview Cemetery. A lunch will be served at Pathway Community Church, immediately after the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Pathway Community Church.