In Memory of Arthur Biele: A Father, Electrician, and a Creationist

Last Friday, I attended the funeral for my father-in-law, Arthur Biele. It was a rather unique experience, as I met him on the precipice of the severe downfall with dementia seven years ago. He had been living in a nursing home, a mind slowly succumbing to the terrible disease. But as I learned, there were pockets of hope and connection during that time, as well as listening to the hundreds of people’s memories of the life he lived at the funeral service.

When Micheal and I visited him in the nursing home six years ago, my husband, Michael, opened his phone and played some music from his past. Arthur began to nod his head though barely able to speak, as though the sounds of the music lit up part of his brain. Music is a powerful tool, allowing feelings and emotions to be understood on a level that ordinary speech gets lost. There was an article published in Practical Neurology by Doctor Ronald Devere entitled, “Music and Dementia: An Overview”, that explains a little about the connection between music and dementia. It illuminates studies that have confirmed, in some patients, to delay cognitive decline and promote brain plasticity. I am sure that Arthur appreciated the fleeting retrieval of memories at the time.

At the funeral, I listened to countless people that knew him at different periods in his life. Whether working with his brother, Bill, at an electrical company with clients across the northeast, the weekly church gatherings with fellow Christians, the four decades married with Maryanne Biele, or organizing the baseball little league with other parents, Arthur lived a full life and left an impression for anyone that met him.

The church service was unique from my own personal experience attending funerals. It was led by the local church pastor, orchestrating a selection of religious hymns, prayers, and personal anecdotes, the latter of which involved friends and family in the audience recollecting memories relating to Arthur. A parent that was involved in the local little league tearfully reminisced about her time with him planning baseball games. Michael and his siblings were all involved with baseball, whether playing the game recreationally or watching the New York Yankees. They all share many memories of heading to the Yankees Stadium with their father.

Prior to the funeral service, Michael and I were tasked to pick up Arthur’s younger brother, Bill. When we arrived at his location, he was patiently waiting but a bit anxious, as he had not seen his nephew in many years. Michael helped calm Bill’s mind by reminiscing about old memories of family parties, and Bill recollected his time in the Bronx and beyond, working on projects with Arthur. I learned that they had worked on part of the Palisades Mall, to which Michael and I have strolled inside countless times.

Following the church service, we all walked to the nearby cemetery, where the gravesite had been prepared. Arthur’s body was lowered into the ground, with a simple wooden casket. I thought the simplicity with the casket was spiritually perfect, as both Maryanne and Arthur believed that true salvation existed beyond the physical realm. After a brief prayer, we were all tasked to grab a shovel and fill in the hole, a final act of service for all of us to commemorate him.

Even though Arthur is gone, I began to peruse through his online writings, whether on Usenet discussion boards or Christian forums. His discussions in 1996 on a Usenet board provided a glimpse into his arguments for Creationism. In a forum from 2013, Arthur reveals his views on homosexuality and the simple choice to, in his words, “… not judge who gets saved and who does not get saved, I do what Jesus gave me to do, to tell them about of Him, pray for them, and move on." While he cites passages in the Bible that illuminate its sinful nature, he understands that he must let others live their life.

I think that shows the growth and understanding that he had cultivated after working through his feelings about Michael. I remembered an article published in the New York Times, in which a man read through his late father’s journey to acceptance through journal entries. There are lots more excerpts from Arthur Biele online, and I am sure I will get to get to understand his views over time.

His life was full of family, work, and Christianity, and I only wish I knew him before his mind succumbed to Altheimer’s disease. Rest in peace, Arthur Biele. Your smile will be missed by many, but your words and ideas will live on.