Norman Henry Biehl

Norman Henry Biehl, Jr.

January 1, 1925 to June 28, 2016

Norman was a hard worker, provider for his family, godly man, teacher, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always had a smile and quick wit up to his final day.

He was born January 1st, 1925, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, to Cora and Norman Biehl. Norman was the first of four children. During those early years he was given the nickname “Happy” by his siblings because he was always smiling.

Norman attended a one-room country school house along with 30 other pupils. His day would start at 4:30 a.m. with chores around the farm and then a one-mile walk to school. At times he got a late start; he would then take a short-cut across the meadow, occasionally getting chased by the local bull. Norman completed his high school education, and later in life continued to further his education and training through the military.

Early in 1943, Norman received his “greetings” from Uncle Sam to participate in WWII. Shortly after enlisting in the Army Air Force, he was deployed overseas and stationed in England. It was here that he met Iris at the town hall where local dances were held. Uncle Sam moved Norman around Europe including bases in Germany and France. Periodically he would take trips back to England to see Iris. Early in 1946 he asked Iris if she would consider being his wife. On June 22nd, 1946, Norman and Iris were married and the new journey began. Soon after the wedding Iris joined Norman in Germany where he was stationed.

The following April, Norman and Iris were blessed with their first born, Carol. Later that year, the family moved to Washington, D.C. where Norman was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base for the next four years. During this time, their second child, Barry, was born. Shortly thereafter, they were transferred back to Germany where they lived for four years before receiving his next assignment.

In July 1955, Norman and Iris arrived in Long Beach, California, a place neither of them knew about. It was definitely not Norman’s preference. He was told not to unpack because he would not be there long. Little did they know this would become their permanent home. Soon they moved into their first house in Lakewood and quickly became acquainted with their neighbors, Jo and Fred, who have remained lifelong friends. Norman and Iris began attending St. Timothy Lutheran Church where they became engaged in many activities. Norman was active on the property committee, played dartball for many years, and became the head custodian.

In 1962, Norman and Iris had their third child, Michael. The next year Norman retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years of active military duty and continued his career with the government as a Postal Worker. His hard work and dedication allowed him to move up the ranks to Postal Supervisor.

Over Norman’s life- time, he and Iris developed many close-knit friends at St.Timothy, joined the Couples’ Club and had regular social gatherings to play cards and Frustration, a game of marbles. At these gatherings he gained the reputation of being a gifted story teller. Additionally, he was part of the Lakewood High School Booster Club for many years. Friday nights he could be found at Lakewood’s football games where he watched Barry play.

As the kids grew up and left home, Norman and Iris began to travel more, including trips to Alaska, England, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the East Coast to mention a few. Then in 1985 Norman retired from the Post Office after serving a combined 42 years in the Federal Government Services. At that time, he began his third career as a house painter which he found very relaxing and soothing. Word of mouth spread of his meticulous work and he was in constant demand for many years.

However, in 2005 Norman had a setback when he had the first of several strokes which brought an end to his cherished love of painting. During these years Iris was always there to help and take care of his needs.

Norman and Iris recently celebrated 70 years of marriage at a family gathering.

Norman is survived by his wife, Iris, his children Carol, Barry and Michael, their spouses, four grandchildren, and six, (almost seven) great-grandchildren, and two sisters Ruth and Anna..