Eugene Biel

Eugene Biel, 97, of Leoti, Kansas, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, community service, good stories, and more than many humorous, off-hand remarks.

Eugene was born June 28, 1929, in Marienthal, Kansas, to Albert and Ida (Kreutzer) Biel. He grew up on the family farm in Marienthal, where he developed the strong work ethic, practical nature, and appreciation for western Kansas that stayed with him throughout his life.

Two things remained at the heart of Eugene’s life: his faith and his family. He was a founding member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, and his Catholic faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout his life. He faithfully served his parish in numerous ways, including as a member of the Parish Council and as a Eucharistic minister.

That same sense of devotion was evident in the love he had for his family. Eugene married Billie Macku in 1951, and together they built a life centered around their children and, eventually, a wonderfully large collection of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Family was never simply part of Eugene’s life—it was one of its greatest joys. He took pride in the accomplishments of those he loved, enjoyed keeping up with what everyone was doing, and treasured the opportunities that brought the family together.

To generations of Leoti residents, Eugene may be best remembered as the man behind the Dairy King. He owned and operated the local landmark for 46 years, serving up food, conversation, and probably a fair amount of unsolicited wisdom along the way. Running the Dairy King gave Eugene the perfect opportunity to do something he particularly enjoyed: talk to people. And Eugene rarely met a person with whom he couldn’t find something to discuss.

His commitment to Leoti extended well beyond his business. Eugene served on the volunteer fire department, the Wichita County Chamber of Commerce, and the Leoti City Council and volunteered with the Wichita County Amusement Association. He also quietly gave his time to others by delivering meals to senior citizens, driving the senior citizen van, and delivering holiday baskets to families in need. For Eugene, being part of a community meant doing his share—and often a little more.

Eugene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie; his sons, Dennis Biel and Dale Biel; his daughter, Tina Biel Swift; son-in-law Kenneth Lerman; daughter-in-law Carol Carpenter Biel; and grandson Justin Wilkerson.

He is survived by his children, Geri Anne Appel of Wichita, Kansas; Jeannine Ross of Leoti, Kansas; Rebecca Carter (Charles Moulton) of Webster, New York; and Paul Biel (Anita) of Hutchinson, Kansas; son-in-law Mark Swift of Florida; thirteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Eugene was a gifted conversationalist and storyteller with a famously dry sense of humor. If you had a few minutes, Eugene had a story. If you had a little longer, he probably had several. And if the subject happened to be Wichita County history, you might want to pull up a chair.

He took great pride in his Marienthal roots and loved sharing his knowledge of the people, places, and history of Wichita County. His stories weren’t simply recollections; they were his way of keeping the past alive and passing along a deep appreciation for the place he called home.

When he wasn’t telling stories, Eugene enjoyed fishing, collecting, bowling, golfing, playing cards and games, and, most of all, being around the people he loved. His quick wit, welcoming smile, and genuine interest in others made people feel at home in his company.

Eugene loved his church, his community, and his western Kansas roots deeply, but his family held a particularly special place in his heart. Through 97 years of joys and sorrows, celebrations and losses, his devotion to family remained constant. He leaves his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren not only a lifetime of memories and stories, but also an example of faith, loyalty, service, humor, and love.

His was a life firmly rooted in faith, surrounded by family, devoted to community, and brightened by laughter. Those who knew and loved Eugene will miss his stories, his smile, his dry humor, and the unmistakable warmth he brought into a room.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church” or “Leoti EMS” through Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.

A vigil and rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, with Fr. Bernard Felix and Fr. Ben Martin presiding. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Marienthal.

A luncheon will be served following the interment.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 7, from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, September 8, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm at Price and Sons Funeral Home, 106 West J St. Leoti, KS.