Irmadell Biek

Irmadell Biek, 105, died at Avanti Health and Rehabilitation Center in Minocqua on Tuesday December 27, 2011. Irma was born on July 1, 1906 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Henry and Bertha (Braecklein) Vielehr. On December 30, 1930, she married Fred Biek of Holzhausen, Germany and Chicago. Shortly after they married, Fred and Irma moved to Barrington, Illinois. Irma was an active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Barrington. Starting in 1934, Irma and Fred, would travel to Wisconsin for fishing in the Northwoods. In 1937, Irma and Fred, along with their two sons, traveled to Germany to Fred's hometown to spend six months there. In 1988, when Irma was 82, she accompanied her son, Ken and his wife, Linda, along with Linda's parents, on a four week trip to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and ended the trip by staying in Fred's home town in Germany. In 1966, Irma and Fred bought a home on Bullhead Lake in Minocqua, where she spent many hours fishing in the lake and enjoying the beauty of the Northwoods. Irma joined the United Methodist Church of the Pines and volunteered her time with the church and also with the craft group of the Howard Young Medical Center Auxiliary. Irma loved to bake and would bake hundreds of cookies for the church's Christmas Cookie Walk, which she helped originate. She also especially took pleasure in baking pecan rolls for her family and friends. Working with the auxiliary craft group, Irma knit items for the annual bazaar, gift shop, and caps and booties for new born babies at the hospital. To celebrate her 100th birthday, a family gathering was held in the Northwoods. In attendance where her three sons and their families, along with most of her surviving nieces and nephews. Irma was surprised by one of Fred's nephews from Germany, who also traveled to Wisconsin for the celebration. Irma is survived by her three sons, Richard (Gail), Paul (Jo Ann) and Kenneth (Linda), along with beloved grandchildren and dear great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Irma was preceded in death by her husband in 1986, one sister and four brothers. A Memorial Service will be held at United Methodist Church of the Pines in Minocqua on January 3, 2012 at 1 PM. Memorial gifts in Irma's name may be made to the United Methodist Church of The Pines 415 Chippewa St., PO Box 144, Minocqua, WI 54548

Irmadell Biek

July 1, 1906 - December 27, 2011