Gary Gene Wibben

Rock Rapids, IA        Gary Gene Wibben, age 71 of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, January 29, 2017, at his residence in Rock Rapids, IA.        Funeral service will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 2nd at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Rev. Mark Hansen officiating.        Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, with full military honors by the American Legion and VFW of Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Wednesday, February 1st from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, with family present from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.        Gary Gene Wibben was born July 30, 1945 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of Raymond R. and Jennie (Anning) Wibben. He was raised on a family farm east of Rock Rapids and attended country school and Central Lyon High School. He entered the U.S. Navy on September 3, 1964 where he served as a Gunner's Mate during Vietnam. While home on leave he married Sandra Heath on December 18, 1964 in Ellsworth, MN. Four daughters were born to this union, Shelli, Tammi, Amy and Melissa. He received his honorable discharge on September 8, 1966 and returned to the area where he began working for Luverne Truck Equipment as a welder.        On December 16, 1977 Gary married Katherine Kautz in Valley Springs, SD. A daughter, Jennifer was born to this union. In 1986 Gary and Katherine moved to a home in Rock Rapids, IA. Gary and Katherine were member of Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, the Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960, VFW and Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion in Rock Rapids. Gary enjoyed riding his Harley and was a member of two motorcycle clubs. He was an avid Elvis fan and Ford Lover. He also enjoyed showing his car and bike to friends and attending Civil War Reenactments with his grandsons. On November 16, 2013 Gary’s wife, Kathi died after 35 years of marriage. Gary remained living in Rock Rapids, where he spent time with his family. He most recently enjoyed a trip with his sister, Glenna, to Graceland and Nashville. He planned to take a return trip later this years.        This past Sunday, January 29, 2017, Gary died at his residence under the care of Lyon County Hospice, at the age of 71. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Bryan) Wynia of Hull, IA, Shelli (Jordan) Rosen of Coarsegold, CA, Tammi Kremin of Lismore, MN, Amy (Clayton) Huismann of Rock Rapids, IA and Melissa (Jason) Tuin of Bigelow, MN; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchild; sister, Glenna (Daryl) Klaassen of Rock Rapids, IA; two nieces, Misty (Randy) Arends of Rock Rapids, IA and Michelle (Ryan) Whittler of Baltic, SD; four aunts, Mae Smid, Jenny Wibben, both of Rock Rapids, IA, Marie Harsma of Arizona and Gert Anning of Luverne, MN; and many other extended family.        He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jennie Wibben; wife, Katherine Wibben; and two brothers, Roger and Ronald.