Clifford Biel

Clifford Eugene Biel of Mondovi, WI, died on Sunday, April 12, 2015 after complications from heart surgery that led to a major stroke in November, 2014. His final days were spent at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on May 29, 1936, in Wykoff, Minnesota to Harvey and Mary Biel, Clifford, known as “Joey” to the family, and his five siblings, Stanley, Marian, Julia, Cynthia and Louis, grew up on a small dairy farm in Harmony, Minnesota. They walked to a small country school and were active as a family at Saetersdal Lutheran Church. Even at a young age, Cliff’s heart yearned for a walk with the Lord. At the young age of thirteen, he led the adult Sunday school class at his church. Clifford graduated from Harmony High School in 1954 and was the first in his family to go on to college, graduating from St. Olaf in Northfield in 1958, with a degree in English Literature. With the call for ministry still strong, he then graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1962. He found his life partner in Donna Gislason, a nursing graduate of St. Olaf. They were married on August 20, 1960 at Hope Lutheran Church in her home town of Minneota, MN. Both were interested in mission work and accepted a call from the Evangelical Lutheran Church to Brazil as missionaries in 1962 which would last through 1980. Their oldest daughter, Rachel Marie, was an infant when they arrived in Brazil, with Charles Nathan and Helen Christine being born in 1964 and 1966. They served in two Brazilian congregations, Loanda (4 yrs) and Maringa (12 yrs). Upon return to the United States, Pastor Biel served at Pleasant Valley and Drammen Lutheran Churches near Mondovi Wisconsin (3 yrs). In 1984 he joined the Evangelical Covenant Church, founding and serving at Prince of Peace Covenant Church until his retirement. Pastor Biel was known for his joy of life and love for the Lord. He had a wonderful smile and a twinkle in his eye, deep compassion and a warm heart. A tall man, yet humble, he had many artistic and intellectual interests: violin, chess, wood carving, mechanical inventions. He enjoyed social gatherings and games, especially card games, pool, croquet, dart ball, and had a special gift with young people. Clifford is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cynthia Moore. Survivors mourning his loss include: wife, Donna; daughters Rachel and Helen and son Charles. Helen’s family includes husband, David, and children, Joseph, Elisabeth, Nathan, David and Daniel. Charles’s family includes wife, Karen and her children: Chris and Kelly Peterson and their sons, Neven and Nolon; Paul Peterson and his children, Jordan, Lauren and Dakota. Cliff’s siblings and their spouses: Stan and LaVonne, Marian Beiwel, the family of his sister Cynthia Moore, Julia and Dick Titus, and Louis and Rosalind Biel, along with nephews and nieces on both sides of the family who loved him. Donna and family wish to thank staff at the Spring Valley Nursing Home and the Adoray Hospice Services for the excellent and loving care Cliff received in his last days. Thanks also extended to the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Eau Claire and Osseo for their care since his November surgery. A visitation will be at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Mondovi on Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 PM to 7:00PM. A funeral service will be at Prince of Peace Covenant Church, S12605 State Road 37, near Mondovi, on Monday April 27 at 11:00AM with an hour of visitation prior. Pastor Steve Allison will officiate. Burial will follow the service at the church cemetery, and then a meal at Central Lutheran Church, 221 W. Main Street in Mondovi at 1pm. Condolences and memories maybe shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com