Obituaries : D. Michael Hibbs

Mike Hibbs

VINTON – David Michael Hibbs, son of Dr. David and Frona Hibbs, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2014, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids after suffering an illness.

Mike was born on December 5, 1941, and graduated with the class of 1960 at Washington High School in Vinton. Mike was a lifelong resident of Vinton. He was a gifted athlete who loved playing baseball, basketball, football and running track in school. In 1958, Mike suffered a severe injury playing football that left him a quadriplegic. Mike’s spirit was never broken and through the support of his family, friends and faith, his “can do” attitude allowed him to live a rich, productive and fulfilling life.
Mike received his B.S. and M.A. degrees from the University of Illinois. He returned to Vinton to teach math at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School from 1969 to 1994. He loved challenging students to reach their potential. Mike ended his teaching career by teaching at Tilford Middle School the following year.

Mike was active in Jaycees and Kiwanis. He led the fund raising campaign to establish the Lutheran Home and took an active interest in politics. Mike was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for many years. More recently, he helped establish Blessed Hope Church and served on its first elder board.

Mike and his wife, Carolyn, were married in April of 1997. Mike loved hosting gatherings with family and friends at their home and spending time at his beloved quarry. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reading, playing chess, working on the computer, watching Hawkeye and Cubs games, gardening, following the stock market and sharing his opinions with everyone. Mike was determined to make the most of each day God granted and was always striving to maintain his quality of life.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and his sister, Hannah Struve, of Vinton.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2014, at Blessed Hope Church in Vinton with Rev. Matt Hantz officiating. Memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, also at Blessed Hope Church. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Memorials may be directed to Blessed Hope Church, 1509 M Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349; VCF Mary Ingalls Society, P.O. Box 326, Vinton, IA 52349; or the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation, 502 N. 9th Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Mike and his family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.