Gib was born on September 21, 1925, to Maurice and Anna Gibbons in Newell, IA. He attended Country School Coon #4 for four years and eight years at Newell, graduating in 1942. After graduation he helped his Dad on the farm. Because his father had too many acres and to much livestock and Gib’s help was needed on the farm, he was not called to military service.
After the war was over he met Betty Corderman. They were married in 1947 in the Little Brown Church and were blessed with three children, Doug, Steve and Jane. Gib farmed with his Dad until the farm was sold. He took a job at the Newell Cooperative Elevator and worked there for 10 years until his retirement in 1988. Gib and Betty enjoyed gathering with friends, dancing and fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, telling jokes, coffee with friends, woodworking, golfing and mostly spending time with his family. Betty passed away in August of 1987. In October of 1988, Gib married Gwen Freeman and moved to Sac City. He gained five more children: Rick, Ron, Pat, Sherrie and Joann.
During Gib’s lifetime he was involved in Masonic Lodge, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Lions Club, Liars Club, Sac City Fishing Club, card clubs. While he lived in Sac City he worked for Jack Sanders, and Paul and Tim Huser on their farms. Gib had a great love for farming and very much enjoyed the years helping on the farms. He took jobs mowing the golf course and the Sac City Airport for a few years. Even working, he always took time to enjoy fishing at the fishing pond he belonged to in Sac City. Many “Gibbons” Father’s Days were spent there, fishing, playing games, visiting and enjoying those delicious Iowa Pork Chops he would fix for his family. Gib and Gwen enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona for 23 years.
On February 29, 2020, Gib entered his heavenly home. He will be missed by the many who knew and loved him. Gib is survived by his three children: Doug (Evy) Gibbons, Sioux Falls, SD, Steve (Marian) Gibbons, North Liberty, IA, and Jane Hartwell (special friend Rod Severson) Storm Lake, IA; along with other children: Rick (Sandy) Olson, Ron Olson, Sheree Heard, and Pat (Diane) Freeman; grandchildren: Travis (Ellen) Gibbons, Tyler (Melanie) Gibbons, Jamay (Kyle) Patten, Chet (Cassie) Hartsell, Jennifer (Nick) Novak, Stephanie (Nick) Schnicker, Rock Olson, Manda (Matt) Parry, Matt (Hannah) Olson, Jami (Kevin) Crosby, Ryan (Katie) Heard, Jacob Heard, Jason Heard, Katie (Karrie) Freeman, and Tim (Janice) Paul; great-grandchildren: Edie Gibbons, Lauren & Liam Patten, Braxton and Bryant Hartwell, Riley, Reece and Ryder Parry, Ezra and Imogen Olson, Kaitlyn Crosby, Christopher and Sophie Paul; his brother Richard “Dick” Gibbons; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Gib is preceded in death by his wife Betty Gibbons, sister Joyce Miller, son-in-law Stan Hartwell, wife Gwen (Freeman) Gibbons, Joann Freeman and other relatives.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up in Gib’s name.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sac City, IA, with Reverend Missy Brown officiating. Following lunch an interment will be held at the Newell Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Sac City. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020, with a Masonic service held at 7:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.
