A Mass of Christian Burial for Nick Biel will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Brandon Wolf as celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary & Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Nick Biel was born June 22, 1924, on the family farm, located six miles northwest of Lefor to Henry Biel, Sr. and Elizabeth Neurohr Biel. The farm was established in 1905 by his grandfather, Adam Biel and the family lived in the house built in 1912. He was the second of 7 children. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp at age 16 (admitting he did lie as the age limit was 17)! He was assigned to the Medora area where he was eventually promoted to cook for the camp. He stayed for 2 years, which was the limit. In 1944, he entered the US Navy. He served during World War II including surviving a torpedoing of his ship. As the war moved to the signing of a peace treaty, he was assigned to ships transporting captives and survivors. He was honorably discharged from service in 1946. After hitchhiking home from San Francisco, he returned to work as a farmer.
On May 17, 1949, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Willer at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dickinson. They continued to live on the home farm until 1955 when he purchased an adjacent farm. Nine children were born to this union. He continued to work on his farm well into his 80’s. In 2018, his wife Betty, due to health issues, into Evergreen Assisted Living. He divided his time between the farm and Evergreen, and finally moved there to spend time with his beloved wife. They were able to use the facilities for several amazing family gatherings, including a special celebration by family and friends for their 70th Wedding Anniversary. The event was held June 21, 2019, to allow for concurrent celebration of their 95th and 91st June birthdays. Unfortunately, Betty passed away on Feb. 6, 2020. In January 2024, Nick Biel moved back to the family farm under the loving care of his family until his death.
Nick Biel established his own farm starting in 1955. He worked long hours, but he never hesitated to help in the house if needed. His work generosity extended to many others and he was known for his willingness to help others. Nick Biel was a strong advocate for education. He attended a country school and then self-educated to obtain his GED. He was a lifelong learner, reading often, whether it was the newspaper, magazines, or westerns. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers. One of his favorite getaways was to go fishing. He and his wife traveled often to Arizona and enjoyed some additional trips to Montana and Colorado. In 2022, he was selected to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC where Veterans are provided their flight, accommodations, and sightseeing of selected areas pertinent to their service. He remained steadfast in his Catholic faith throughout his life. He served in the Knight of Columbus.
Nick Biel, passed away peacefully at age 99, in his home with family at his side on May 29, 2024. He will be forever remembered for his dry sense of humor and his appreciative thanks and smiles. This amazing father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great-grandfather will be greatly missed by his children: Nicolette Estrada of Mesa, AZ; Chad (Anita) Biel of Dickinson; Brenda (Bob) Kuylen of South Heart; Michael Biel of Dickinson; Stacy (Peggy) of Billings, MT; Blake Biel of Dickinson; Todd Biel of Fargo; Kent Biel of Fort Lupton, CO; 23 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty, his son, Barney Biel; granddaughter Stephanie Kuylen; great grandson Finnly Simonieg: son-in-law, Jim Estrada; his parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, family and in-laws too numerous to mention.
