Donald J. Gibbs, Waupaca, Wisconsin, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Lakeview Manor in Weyauwega, WI.
He was born on October 17, 1929 in Stevens Point, WI; son of Walter and Stella (Hopkins) Gibbs. Don graduated from Waupaca High School in the class of 1947. He joined the U.S. Navy, aviation branch, in January 1948 and retired with over 20 years of service in November 1970. Don married Marianne E. Verdon on September 19, 1953 in Waupaca and together they shared 61 years of marriage before her passing on July 6, 2015. After retiring from the military, he had other jobs that included Chain O’Lakes Patrol Officer, ITT Hamilton Corporation Representative, school bus driver, and lastly he retired as a Maintenance Mechanic 3 from the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King in October 1992. Don’s hobbies and interests included fishing, boating, camping, swimming, cars, and flying his ultralight aircraft. Most of all, he loved being with and spending time with his wife of 61 years, Marianne, his five sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Don will be deeply missed by all of his loving family and many friends.
Don is survived by: children: Randy (Lynette) Gibbs of Waupaca, WI; Jeff Gibbs of Weyauwega, WI; Brion (Pam) Gibbs of Waupaca, WI; Dennis Gibbs of Waupaca, WI; Sue Davidson of Almond, WI; Michelle Roggenbauer of Waupaca, WI; Bruce (Laura) Gibbs of Waupaca, WI; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a sister, Beverly (Carl) Hansen of Waupaca, WI. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Stella Gibbs; his loving wife, Marianne Gibbs; and a sister, Mildred Karch.
A Memorial Service will be on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. Pastor Jeffrey Fletcher will officiate. A visitation will be held on Thursday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will be at the Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King at a later date. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.