Robert John Biel

Robert "Bob" Biel, 78, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, in Kenesaw, NE.

He was born on April 3, 1947, in Omaha to Elmer and Anita (Sass) Biel. He was baptized on June 22, 1947, and later confirmed in his faith on March 26, 1961, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ogallala. Bob was raised on the family farm northeast of Ogallala, where he developed a lifelong love of farming and working with his hands. He "retired" in the spring of 2023 but never quit working on his farm.

Bob graduated from Ogallala High School with the Class of 1965. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln until he enlisted in the service. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1972, earning the designations of mechanic and sharpshooter..

On February 13, 1971, Bob was united in marriage to Geraldine "Gerri" Grigsby at St. Paul Lutheran Church. To this union, three children were born: James (Jim), Andrew (Andy), and Julie. Bob and Gerri made their home on the Biel family farm, where they raised their children and built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. Bob and his sons, Jim and Andy, would farm together for several years. Though Bob and Gerri later divorced in June of 2012, each continued to support their children and grandchildren independently.

A true farmer at heart, Bob enjoyed building and repairing farm machinery and was always willing to lend his mechanical skills where needed. He had a special fondness for John Deere tractors and proudly owned a John Deere 4430 tractor-pulling tractor from 1974 to 1979, where he pulled in the Off the Farm Class. He would use this tractor for many years after as a farm tractor. He would always say, " Nothing Runs Like a Deere" and " Green Means Go." He enjoyed attending tractor pulls, camping in the mountains, hunting, and John Wayne movies. In later years, one of his greatest joys was attending the activities and events of his grandchildren.

Bob will be remembered for his love of John Deeres, the land, his mechanical talents, and the pride he took in his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Anita Biel; his son, Andrew "Andy" Biel; and his brother, William "Bill" Biel.

Left to cherish his memory are: his son, Jim (Misty) Biel of Lewellen; his daughter, Julie (Brad) Johnson of Minden; grandchildren Jamie Biel, Jasmine Biel, Alyssa Johnson, Colten Johnson, Mason Biel, and Kailey Biel; great-granddaughter Grace Anderson; nephew John (Carol) Biel; niece Lynette (Mark) Steadry; along with other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Bob's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala with Pastor Daniel Ramsey officiating. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.