William "Bill" H. Biel

William "Bill" Henry Biel, 72, of York, Nebraska, formerly of Ogallala, Nebraska and Colby, Kansas, went peacefully to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln.

Bill was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 19, 1944 to Elmer and Anita (Sass) Biel. He was raised in Ogallala Nebraska on the family farm and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1962. 

Bill attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and received a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business.  In September 1965, he married Beverly Grigsby, also of Ogallala. The couple divorced in April 2009.  

Bill began his working career in Sigourney, Iowa, working at the Farmer's Cooperative Association. Bill and Bev moved back to the Ogallala area where he also worked for the Farmer's Coop, Adams' Bank & Trust and then John Deere. His career with John Deere led the family to Colby, Kansas in 1984 . He was co-owner and operator of Colby Implement. Bill retired from the business in 2003.

In 2012 Bill moved to York, NE and later was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He resided at Willowbrook Assisted Living.

Growing up Bill enjoyed baseball and continued to enjoy baseball and softball with his grandkids.  He also maintained an avid interest in the family farm throughout his lifetime.  Bill and Bev were active in the Colby Rod Run Association and were instrumental in establishing Colby's annual Cruisin' to the Past.  Bill loved his classic cars. He and his son John built a 1928 Model A Roadster Pickup from the ground up. His kids and grandkids enjoyed attending the car shows. His favorite vacation spot was Estes Park, CO and many family vacations or weekends coincided with car or tractor shows or tractor pulls. He had a 1977 Ford two-engine tractor that he pulled with for many years. His love for tractors and classic cars is still alive today with all the family. Bill served on the Board of the Nebraska Tractor Pulling Association.

Bill also had a knack for landscaping, woodworking, and building. He was never happier than when designing and building something. His children and grandchildren remember him for the many lessons that he taught them including standing up for what they believe in and what is right, keeping your word and working hard.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Ogallala, and later at Trinity Lutheran of Colby and Emmanuel Lutheran of York. Bill was active in community groups including Rotary, Lions Club, Pete Henry Foundation, and the SYA Antique Tractor Club.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his former wife Beverly.

Survivors include his children: Lynnette (husband Mark) Stedry of Ballston Spa, New York and son John (wife Carol) Biel of York, NE; one brother Robert Biel of Ogallala; and three grandchildren: Emily Biel (daughter of John and Carol) of York; and Christopher and Brandon Stedry (sons of Lynnette and Mark) of Ballston Spa, New York; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Visitation will be Thursday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Friday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. in Draucker Funeral Chapel. Rev. Mike Neidow of the York Emmanuel Lutheran Church will officiate. Online condolences may be sent by signing the Guest Book.  The service will be streamed live, for those unable to attend.  Interment is in the Ogallala Cemetery. 

Memorials have been established to Wessels Living History Farm,  SYA Antique Tractor Club,  and Lutheran Hour Ministries. 

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.