Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BIASI, Emil J.
BIASI, Emil J. (Dubuque, IA, Aug. 21, 1890--Omaha, NB, Apr. 21, 1965). In October 1951, Biasi became the first Dubuque resident to receive the honorary degree of Holy Royal Knight Templar Priest. The honorary degree, limited to thirty-three members in each state, was symbolic of the number of years of Christ's life on Earth. Biasa was a Past Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Iowa (1953-1954) and was serving as the Grand Recorder, Knights Templar of Iowa at the time of his death. He held the honorary degrees of the York Cross of Honor and of the Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest.
Biasi was a past secretary of the board of directors of the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.) and past treasurer and member of the board of directors of the Dubuque Rescue Mission. A life member of IMMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Biasi served twenty-five years as Church School Superintendent and thirty years on the church's board of trustees. Before his retirement, Biasi was an investigator and reporter for the Retail Credit Company of America.
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Source:
E. J. Biasi, 74, Dies at Omaha, Telegraph-Herald, April 22, 1965 p. 15
"Iowa's Knights Templar Elect Emil Biasi Grand Commander," Telegraph-Herald, June 25, 1953, p. 1