SHELBYVILLE, IL. — Mary K. Biehler

Shelbyville, IL



Mary Katherine (Kull) Biehler, 84, of Shelbyville, died at 11:20 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013 in Shelbyville Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013 in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Shelbyville with Rev. C. W. Lewis officiating.  Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday in the church.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.  Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Shelbyville or the General Dacey Trail.

Mary was born on January 27, 1929 near Westervelt, IL, the daughter of Clarence Christopher and Ruby Frances Mercer Kull.  She graduated valedictorian in the Class of 1946 at Westervelt Community High School.  She married Dale Robert Biehler on December 13, 1947.  She assisted her husband on their dairy farm just north of Shelbyville.  She continued to live on the family farm until 1998 when she moved to town.   Mary also worked at Sears, Roebuck & Co. in downtown Shelbyville.  She was a life member of the Lutheran Faith and a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, still attending when weather permitted.  She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at the church for many years, sang in the church choir and was an active member of WELCA Women's Group.  Mary was a volunteer for Hospice and the Senior Center and was a devoted blood donor for the American Red Cross, donating over 13 gallons.  She was a member of Shelby County Home Extension, Christian Women's Group and hosted many Bible Study Groups. She visited the residents of the Manor for many years, stating, “Sometimes all they need is a smile to brighten their day”.  People in the community would mention that they remember her smile when she worked at Sears and Roebuck.

Mary was a hard worker with many talents, such as gardener, seamstress, craft-maker and baker - known for her rhubarb pies and “Cherry-Go-Rounds”.  She enjoyed dancing, helping others, playing games and being in skits.  She instilled independence in her children and dearly loved her grandchildren.  Mary was an inspiration to all who knew her and was determined to never give up. She devoted her life to serving the Lord, helping others and making sure others knew Jesus, especially her grandchildren and Sunday School children.  She gave and she lived JOY (Jesus Others You).  She was always putting others ahead of herself.  She touched many lives with her kindness, love, concern, words of encouragement and laughter.  Her laugh and smile were contagious.

She lived life to her fullest capability, even with Parkinson's disease.  She never gave up or complained, but accepted her life living at the Manor for over eight years.  There she encouraged others and kept a positive attitude doing her best to stay active by walking the General Dacey Trail and the halls of the Manor (THE JOY OF THE LORD WAS HER STRENGTH) and attending her grandchildren's activities to fight the progression of Parkinson's disease.  She participated in many research studies at Washington University in St. Louis, MO in hopes that it would benefit those living with Parkinson's disease both now and in the future.

Mary loved the Lord and allowed her faith in God to be her strength.  She believed in the blessing of the promise of eternal life in heaven through Jesus Christ her Savior.  The family has much comfort knowing she is in her eternal home with the Lord.

She is survived by her four loving children, Sandra Biehler and Tom Biehler both of Los Angeles, CA, Robin Bennett and husband John of Mattoon, IL and Randy Biehler and wife Marilyn of Shelbyville, IL; three grandchildren, Cayla Duckett and husband Trent of Mattoon, IL and Paige and Connor Biehler both of Shelbyville, IL: brothers, Donald Kull and wife Helen and Kenneth Kull and wife Phyllis all of Shelbyville, IL; sister-in-law, Irma K. Roney of Shelbyville, IL; brother-in-law, Carl Biehler and wife Ione of Scottsdale, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale on August 6, 1985; brothers, James and John Kull; and sister, Nancy Kessel.

The family is very grateful for the care and love mother received from the Shelbyville Manor, Shelby Memorial Hospital, Dr. Oligschlaeger, Hospice and her caregivers over the years.  Special thanks for the wonderful love, respect and care given by her caregiver Fay Batson.  We appreciate and love you all.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com