Joseph Daniel Biek, 59, of Cassopolis died Friday, Feb. 5, 20l0 in his home.
He was born March 25, 1950 in Dowagiac.

Joe was a master craftsman of building log homes and cabins, welding, stone masonry, log furniture, carving of stone and wood that decorate many places. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, being in the outdoors, and playing his banjo, singing and writing songs that are dear to our hearts. He had a willing heart to help those in need. With the rustling of pine needles and the wind through the branches, you passed from this life to the next. It’s fitting that you spent your last moments in the woods that you so dearly loved. Our memories will not be dimmed nor forgotten and every time we gather you will be there with us, in our hearts, our minds, and our conversation. We will miss you and we love you.

He is survived by eight children, Christina (John) Richey of Decatur, Lisa (Rob) Cutting of Cassopolis, Jason (Allison) Biek of Granger, Will (Stephanie) Biek of Cassopolis, Staff Sgt. JPaul (Rebekah) Biek of Okinawa, Japan, Seth (Leah) Biek of Cassopolis, Skyler (Alicia) Biek of Colorado Springs, Colo., Adam Biek of Augustine, Fla.; and 19 wonderful grandchildren.

He is also survived by his parents, Jack and Betty (James) Biek of Cassopolis; eight siblings, Rebecca (Peter) McIntyre of Texas, Charles Biek of Dowagiac, Mary K. Biek of Lawrence, Mich., Jacalyn (Chris) Kelly of N. Aurora, Ill., Anna Biek of Yorktown, Va., Andrew Biek of Edwardsburg, Catherine (Rick) Moore of N. Aurora, Ill. and Jon (Julie) Biek of Cassopolis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis. The service will be conducted by his family. The family will receive friends on Saturday one hour before the service. Online condolences can be left at connellyfu neralhome@verizon.net.