Todd Alan Biegler, 57, of Marion, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015. Funeral Services: 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Cedar Valley Bible Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 1-2:45 p.m. at the church. Private family burial was held at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.
Survivors include his wife, Debra; his mother, Audrey; children, Jessy, Laura (Jim) Sisson, Nicole, Brian, Michael, Steven, David, and Aaron; sister, Lynn Gloege (Rick Rechek); brothers, Kirk (Marti) Biegler and Tracy (Amy) Biegler; and grandchildren, Abigail, Jonathan, Matthew, and Elizabeth.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elaine Figge; brothers-in-law, Ken Chapman, Gary (Mary) Figge, Bob Figge, and David Figge; and sister-in-law, Diane (John) Cram; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bradley; sister, Jodie Chapman; and father-in-law, Robert Figge.
Todd was born October 7, 1957, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Bradley and Audrey (Boettcher) Biegler. On December 22, 1979, he married Debra Figge in West Bend, Wisconsin. Todd was a systems engineer for Rockwell Collins. He enjoyed woodworking, building and fixing things. He loved explaining how things worked to his family. Todd enjoyed nature and family vacations at the lake. His life was centered on living for Jesus Christ and loving his wife and family. He is greatly missed.
Philippians 1:6 was important to Todd as he trusted God to complete the work He had begun.
Thinking of you, and praying for Gods peace. Todd was always giving God the glory… Now he is seeing it.
Sean & Maya Murphy
From our family to yours giving thanks for Todds life here and rejoicing for his “new” life face to face with the One who formed him and knew him best. Longing for “every tear to be wiped away…” One day!
Matt and Brooke
Now, Todd can really turn his eyes upon Jesus, and look full on His wonderful face! No more pain, and no more sickness! That is a reason to celebrate for him, and to bring some comfort to those of us who will miss him. Grace, and peace to the family, as they carry on the legacy of living out your faith in Jesus! He always had a confident hope in his words and actions that dispelled the shadows of doubt in the lives of those around him! We rejoice knowing he deservedly was greeted with “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
-From the Pratt Family
I worked with Todd once, and even at work he let his little light shine. Adieu my friend.
To the Biegler family – please know our prayers have been with you and will continue to be so. Your posts touched me as I’m sure it did many others – truly living out your faith. Thank you and may you feel the Lord’s presence in the days ahead. We love you and are so thankful for you.
Jeff & Bev Lloyd and family
My wife Leslee and I met Todd and Debbie many years ago (before children). They were both serious about their faith but with a love for life and adventure. I remember a conversation after having children with Todd about working overtime at Collins. He said he made it pretty clear that his family takes priority. I really respected that about Todd – he was brilliant and well respected for his dedication to his work, but faith and family were clearly his priorities. As our families grew over the early years, our paths didn’t cross as often but our mutual love for God and the families he had blessed us with, kept a close bond. Todd was one of those solid rock kind of guys that knew what he believed and didn’t waiver.
I met with Todd for lunch about a year ago when I heard of what I referred to as his “battle with cancer”. As we candidly talked about his recent life journey, he told me he didn’t view it as a battle, but more of a journey of purification. Even in the midst of a life threatening disease, Todd remained very positive and saw that the Lord was using this to help him purify his body by being deliberate about the foods he ate, and purifying his soul by keeping his heart right with his Savior. Todd was a testimony of godly character in the midst of a storm.
Leslee has had the pleasure of being the Bible Study Fellowship leader for his daughter Laura this last year. Although I haven’t been in direct contact with Todd since our lunch visit, I have been aware of the difficult time he faced these last few months. Todd’s dedication to his faith, his wife, and his children reaped the fruit of a family whose faith has remained strong and have graciously accepted God’s will to call Todd home into eternity. The words of Philippians 1:6 apply not only to Todd’s life personally, but also to the precious family that he adored. Leslee and I continue to pray that the peace that passes all understanding will continue to sustain his loved ones as they know God will perfect their faith as they wait for the day of Christ Jesus..
Jeff and Leslee Rambo
It was with great sadness that I hear of Todd’s death. I worked with Todd off and on for all 35 years at Rockwell. He was an amazing and kind man with tremendous love for his family. I loved hearing his stories. He made a valiant effort to try to live as long as he could to be on this earth for his family. He was very unselfish. I retired last July and when I left he was at work and seemed to be doing well. So sorry to hear the news, but so grateful to have known Todd all these years. His memories will live on with his wonderful family.
I was shocked to learn of Todd’s death as I have been out of the area for a few years. Todd and I worked together with a great Team on Link 16 projects that spanned many years at Rockwell Collins. As the Team would attest, we had a multitude of significant challenges — all met and overcome, in no small part, due to Todd’s tenacity, positive attitude, skill, and energy. My sincere condolences to Todd’s family.
Ron Smith
I’m so sorry 4 it loss
I am truly sorry to hear of Todd’s passing. For a number of years, I worked closely with Todd on a Boeing program that involved my frequent travel to Rockwell for on-site collaboration. Todd invited me to share his office with him whenever I was at Rockwell and we would work together for days at a time, so I got to know him pretty well. He was a true professional at work. Todd was also generous, kind, and very likeable, with a great sense of quiet humor. His wife and family were always foremost in his thoughts. One thing that sticks in my mind is the unique ringtone on his cell phone whenever his wife called – something like “Todd, have you got a minute?” in her voice. Usually, Todd would then turn to me and say “I need to speak to my lovely wife.” Todd and I discussed his medical situation early on and what was amazing to me was how he dealt with it with such grace and dignity, never once complaining. My condolences to Todd’s family. Along with many others, I will miss him greatly. Rich Jackson
Father-Son baseball won’t be the same without Todd. He was always positive, encouraging, and enjoyed playing with his kids. He was a great Father and Father-in-Law. Even as his body was weakening, his faith remained strong. When he prayed or led devotionals his fellowship with the Lord was clearly evident. Now he is even closer to Him. Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. – Josiah Sanner
To the Biegler family –
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and will be in the coming months. I was saddened to hear of Todd’s passing, but having met him through Bible study (BSF) I know he resides in a cherished new home. In the times I shared with Todd, I learned a good deal more about God’s Word and a bit about raising a family. In Todd’s memory, I say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
May God’s peace be with all of you!
Jeff Hand
My friend as I write this again as I tried to yesterday and the post did not go I have had more time to think on so much. As a young father of my growing family I remember so much of the care and love you and Deb poured on us. You showed us what true servant hood is all about, looking past one self and putting the others need first not for anything more than to show your love for Christ. I spent several mornings with you in men’s group, meals after church, and many times relaxing on your patio just talking about life, manhood, family and what Gids word says about all those things. You helped me set a coarse in raising my 5 boys that I will always be thankful for. You taught me to love my 3 daughters as precious gifts from God that they are. You made me a part of who I am today and who I want to be. I think of you and Deb as the example of true love for one another and I keep that as living example of my dedication to my wife. You may never know how much you meant to so many in this world. I am convinced that you have heard the words “job well done faithful servant”. Thanks for being real with me and everyone you came in contact with. You will be missed here but I know we will meet again one perfect day. See you later my friend and thanks for everything you have done for us.
With much heart felt love.
Jeff, Tina, Sam, Luke, Emily, Ellie, Anna, Will, Moza, and Engidaw.
Todd and Debbie were our youth leaders at Faith Lutheran when I was in high school. Todd was always a kind and lovely man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Debbie and his family.
Tammie Anderson
Wow, where does one start when relating lasting memories of Todd????
I think the most poignant memory as well as enduring is how well the Lord matched Debbie with Todd.
We have known you two most of our lives and we think of you both as one. This is the the Lord’s doing.
You two guided us as we were being called by the Lord to reach for the repentance and grace- filled salvation he was offering Kathy and I back in 1996.
Rest assured Deb and children that the Lord has completed His work in giving you all that you need from your husband/fathers example and time with you. Our family is asking the Lord to lift your hearts to Him with the gratitude of providing such a Godly husband / father for you.
Todd’s likeness is resident in each of you ; in your faith, in your sense of humor, in your sweet thoughts of your husband / father reaching up and touching His hand, and finding it Christ’s.
Todd… gone way too soon. At times like this words are difficult to come by. I was fortunate to meet and get to know Todd through work. Though we never worked the same programs, our paths crossed many times. Todd always had a big smile, a warm heart and time to exchange greetings. Todd enjoyed his work and was a real asset to the company. More importantly, Todd was a devoted family man. For now he leaves his family behind… he leaves the world a better place. Todd, you will be missed.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers.
Todd and Deb have been a wonderful example to us of trusting the Lord through pain and suffering until Jesus took him home. Deb has lovingly been by his side every minute. We have never heard Todd complain – we have only heard words of encouragement even when he was having incredible pain.
Todd has a loving family who adores him. All of his children have been spending most of their time at the hospice center (many of them spending the night) supporting their mom and dad.
Todd and Deb have done an incredible job of raising their children to love the Lord.
Their daughter Nickie has been an especially great help to the Bright Lights ministry, working as staff for over 10 years.
Todd will be missed by all, especially his family. But we know Todd has gone to his eternal home in Heaven. Todd never feared death, but knew he was going to be with the Lord Jesus.
Rebekah Mally
Todd’s wife, Debbie, was a great childhood friend. We lost contact over the years, but never in my mind and heart. The last time I saw Todd & Debbie was on their wedding day. It is rare to see two people so completely meant to be together, as they were. A handmade Christmas ornament from their wedding hangs on my tree each year. It brings back a flood of memories of good times growing up with the Figge family. Debbie, you and your family are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
Kathy (Hupfer) Slesar
I am very sorry for your loss. Jesus said; “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,…”(John 5:28-29) May his promise comfort you.
I will be attending two graduation celebrations today. One is a college graduate and the other is Todd’s graduation to Glory! As may have shared I too have been blessed by Todd’s walk with the Lord Jesus. His joyful attitude and confidence is Savior’s sovereignty were encouraging for me. Todd will be missed by all who knew him on this earth. My prayers to the Biegler family. May God who “comforts us in all out tribulation,” be a comfort to you all.
Todd and Debbie were great high school friends…we also lost contact over the years, but both were always in my thoughts and fondest memories….spent many hours with Debbie, growing up in the same community and schools. Their wedding was very special, as was mine, since Debbie was my bridesmaid. Wishing you and your family the strength of your faith, the comfort of surrounding family and friends, and hopefully we shall meet again. I am very sorry for your loss….Debra (Fechter) Sanfilippo
Deb and Family
I am very sorry for your loss. Not the news I was expecting to hear when someone mentioned Todd’s name. Todd was a great mentor as a person and it God’s word. My thoughts a prayers are with you all. John Nirschl