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Obit: Donald H. Gibbons, 80, of West Bend

Sept. 6, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Donald H. Gibbons, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with lymphoma on September 5, 2017 in his West Bend home.  He was born on November 2, 1936 in Sheboygan, WI, to Harvey and Antoinette (nee LeMahieu) Gibbons.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bobette (nee Mulock); children Tracy (Matt) Howard; Teri (Fred) Kandel; Tim (Shannon) Gibbons; grandchildren Joe, Jake, Nate, Xander, MollyClaire, and Eviana; and brother, Wes (Joan) Gibbons.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Okey.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He enjoyed working on his home and the family cottage; was a master of woodworking including cabinetry, furniture and countless other items he released from the confines of ordinary lumber.  Other pass times included working outdoors cutting wood and perpetually battling Buckthorn.

He had MacGyver-like skills in repairing most anything using only a paperclip and car battery, and his razor sharp memory always wowed the family, leaving us only to wonder if the event in question had occurred 20 years ago on a Wednesday or a Thursday.

Professionally, Don taught electronics for 32 years in the West Bend School District.  He lent his voice as an announcer for sporting events, led many extra-curricular clubs and touched the lives of countless students.

Don and Bobbi loved time with friends in West Bend and at the “summer camp”-like retirement community in Texas, where they spent winters.  He blessed RV park residents with his line dancing instruction, humor and willingness to help with anything that needed repair.

Music played a huge part in Don’s life. He became an accomplished percussionist at an early age and enjoyed sharing his talent in swing bands and community theater orchestras.  He was also famous for playing “air drums” at family events and parties.

The greatest joy of Don’s life was his family. He and Bobbi loved spending time with Tracy and Matt in Chicago, Teri and Fred in West Bend and helping Tim and Shannon with their house in Delafield. He immensely enjoyed his grandchildren and they, him.

In the end he was best known for his unparalleled kindness, selflessness and amazing hugs.  He will be missed.

A Memorial Service will be at 5:30 PM on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church (323 S. Fifth Ave West Bend, WI 53095) with Rev. Clarissa Martinelli presiding.  Visitation will be at church Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 3:30 PM until 5:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Don’s memory be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, lls.org.

4 COMMENTS

  1. Mr Gibbons was an amazing man. When many teachers gave up on me he did not. I wasn’t an easy student. He made me want to succeed. He made me a better man. I own an industrial electronic repair shop in Dallas TX today and he is a major factor in that happening. He will always live on in my heart and memories.

  2. Sad to hear this. Mr. Gibbons was a warmhearted teacher. I remember making several rudimentary videos for his class around ’90 or ’91–it was a blast learning how to use videotape editing equipment, and he always provided encouraging feedback. Plus, he let a few of us use the editing machines after hours for a home movie or two!

  3. Mr. Gibbons was one of my favorite teachers in High School. I had been interested in electricity and electronics since I was small child. I really enjoyed his classes and did a great job putting up with the variety of “interesting” students he had.
    After I got out of High School, I got an Electrical Engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. I worked from 1974 till I retired in 2013 designing hardware and medical software. I really have to thank for all his help.
    We’d see each other maybe once a year and have great conversations about what we were each doing.
    I’ll miss seeing his smiling face.
    Joel Schoenbeck – West Bend High School class of 1970.

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