Paul Frederick Piehl

Paul Frederick Piehl, 86, of Ottawa Lake, Michigan died suddenly May 24, 2021 playing his favorite sport tennis. Paul is survived by his wife, Kathleen Piehl; daughter, Debra (Robert) Meyer; stepson, Nathan (Carlie) Knauer and stepdaughter, Page (Michael) Slevin. Paul also had 3 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eloise Reitzel, and son, Randy Piehl.

Paul grew up on his family farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan and went to Burnam High School in Sylvania, Ohio. When his father, Fred Piehl, bought an alfalfa mill Paul took over the farm at the age of 18 and became a successful farmer. He sang in the choir group at Zion Lutheran church in Ottawa Lake, and worked with teenagers through teaching Sunday School and overseeing the Luther League.

Paul had the opportunity of his lifetime as a farmer being selected by Michigan State to participate in the three-year Kellogg Company program for farmers in Michigan.  This group of farmers and their wives attended seminars from November through March on various topics related to farming.  In March of each year, the men traveled to various parts of the world to study the socio-economic and agricultural conditions of the various countries.  The first year consisted of traveling to Washington D.C. and meeting with the Secretary of Agriculture and also traveling to Mexico. The second year consisted of the Philippines and other countries in the Far East.  The third year the group traveled to India and the Middle East, which had much unrest.

After the Kellogg program, Paul continued to travel with the Professional Farmers of America to China, Africa, and South America. 

In mid-life he took up tennis. His competitive nature led him to play almost every day and kept him fit and active.

He was an avid photographer and woodworker. He joined the Toledo Camera Club and took breathtaking photos of his journeys.   He made cherished pieces of furniture for his family and each fall made wooden toys for various charities in the Palmetto, Florida area where he and Kathy spent their winters.

Paul will be missed by his family and friends. Those wishing to offer memorials in Paul's memory are asked to consider the American Heart Association.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, Friday May 28, 2021 from 5-7:00 P.M.  The Funeral Service at Zion Lutheran Church, Ottawa Lake, MI. Saturday, May 29th, 2021,  9:30 AM.,  with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M. Paul will be missed by his family and friends. Those wishing to offer memorials in Paul's memory are asked to consider the American Heart Association.  Online condolences to  reebfuneralhome.com

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