Retired Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Biel, 74, of Venice, Florida died peacefully in Hospice Care at home on April 21, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born in Syracuse, New York to his parents Edward and Dorothy Biel.

Fred is a graduate of St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY. In 1979 he began his career as a soldier in the United States Army where he served 29 years. He often said those years were “the best of my life”. He was a proud soldier and our family’s hero. During his service he would say his greatest achievements were: Planning the “Tent City” for refugees of the Gulf War during Desert Storm; being one of the first units to deploy to help after Hurricane Andrew in Florida and served in Haiti in Operation Uphold Democracy.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren. His second love was woodworking. Many people benefited from his beautiful craftsman style furniture. He also loved to fish, read, travel, sing and tell funny stories.

Most recently Fred was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Venice. Before moving to Venice three years ago, he was a member of Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toana, Virginia for many years.

Fred is survived by his true love and wife of 50 years, Sue; his children, James Biel, Jennifer Dow (Brian) and Chad Biel (Andrea Shrader), his four loving grandchildren Alanna and Elliot Biel and Ella and Charlotte Dow. He is one of six children and is survived by Kathy Steagall, Al Biel, Ginny Glenza, Ed Biel, and Betsy Biel.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 PM at the Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, 8300 Richmond Road, Toano, Virginia on Saturday, May 6, 2023. A reception at the church will follow.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Tidewell Hospice, Wounded Warriors or All Faiths Food Bank.