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Dean Sible Obituary

Mr. Dean Sible Portage Died peacefully in his sleep at home on October 25, 2009, two days short of his 81st birthday. He was born to Burt and Mayme (Wilson) Sible in Marion, MI, the fourth of four boys. He grew up hunting and fishing in the great Northern Michigan outdoors. He graduated from Midland High School in 1947. He married Marilyn Graham on February 13, 1954 in Marinette, WI and had 55 years of a loving and dedicated union. They raised two children, Michael Dean and Pamela Jo. Dean served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for Consumers Power Company for 38 years, retiring as Community Affairs Director. He gave his time to many civic organizations, serving 20 years with the United Way. In his retirement, Dean enjoyed his family, golfing at Milham Park and winters in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Despite failing health, he was an eternal optimist. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers, Duane, Don, and Dale. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn at the family home; son, Dr. Mike (Dr. Kristine Schmaltz) of LaConner, WA; daughter, Pam Duckham (Barry) of Battle Creek, MI; 6 grandchildren, Darren, Abagail, Paige, and Sam Duckham and Max and Isabel Sible. A memorial service will be held 2 o'clock Saturday at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Drive. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. In accordance with Dean's wishes cremation has taken place. Private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Michael Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. www.langelands.com. 343-1508.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Oct. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Sible

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October 31, 2009

Dear Marilyn: Was saddened to hear of Dean's passing. My father, Harry Neal, knew Dean thru Consumers Power, and enjoyed taking Dean fishing on Saginaw Bay. I also knew Dean personally while I worked in Human Resources in Kalamazoo. Dean worked with Gene McGraw, whose son Scott married our daughter. God Bless you. Jack Neal Portage.

Steve Kraatz

October 30, 2009

That bugger sure could kick a football....Mike and I used to stand on Morningside Drive and he would punt the football way up in the air and we would signal 'fair catch' and try to grab it when it came down.
He also used to call my dad 'ole 'bobby Kraatz'.....gosh I sure miss him a lot....Steve Kraatz

October 29, 2009

Sure had fun the dAY THAT Dean Duck hunted with Me. Also had fun the day he came on my ice boat with me & Dennis. Sorry, Herman & Lorna Fischer

Call the ducks in Deano!!!!!!!!

Dennis Mullen

October 28, 2009

Hello Cuz, all of our duckhunting crew send their condolences. They all remember Deano from his hunting ducks with us on Sea Gull Bar and the large duck call he used (Herman's). His jokes kept us laughing so loud no ducks flew into the decoys........but we sure had a good time with him. Love from the Menekaunee Duck Hunters

October 28, 2009

We cherish the great memories as the "Dukes"of Paulann Drive. We will remember the golf, the fishing, and the jokes. What a great family as neighbors. God Bless you all, Pat and Bud Slebiska

Jody Jessup

October 28, 2009

Just read the obituary with my parents. Many warm memories of Dean. Such a ray of positivity. I thought he was Santa because I saw my 3 speed Christmas bike in his garage at age 6 and that was how I put it together; didn't question Santa, just though that must be Dean Sible. Fine man. Love to all. Jody Slebiska Jessup.

Sandi Sidney

October 28, 2009

Phil and I just heard. He will certainly be remembered with smiles and love. What a story teller and what a wonderful attitude. Hang in there we love you. Sympathy to Mike and Pam also.
Love you.
Sandi and Phil

Rich & Laura Rogalski

October 28, 2009

Marilyn, You are in our prayers. Dean is at that big Tiki Bar in the sky, will never forget our first Tiki & all the good times we had at the Bahamian Club. He was the life of the party. Both of you are missed. God Bless you & your family.

October 28, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about Deano and appreciate Mike's call very much. We know that Dean is now resting in peace and probably playing a perfect round of golf on the best course in Heaven. We know that it will be a loss to everyone that knew Dean. We'll remember the good times....casino trips, happy hours,and trips to Florida where we spent some time on the side of the road. Marilyn, please take care of yourself and we'll be in touch. Love ya!
Dave & Tammy Walsh

October 28, 2009

Hi Cuz, thinking of you all and we'll see you this weekend. We're all hopping in the Caddy, with Frank at the wheel. Have the N/A cold for Big Mike. Love you all.

Lori Geesin

October 28, 2009

Pam I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Let me know if I can do anything for you and your family. You are in my thoughts everyday. I love ya.

October 28, 2009

Dear Sibles, Dean has been mentioned several times of late by Steven. He remembered Dean saying "those buggers" in conversation and Steve has started using the phrase and saying "as Mr. Sible used to say." I always remember Dean introduced our Phil to the peanut butter and fried egg sandwich. It became one of Phil's favorite sandwiches. It's the little things that always keep a person's memory alive. Fear not, that Dean will ever be forgotten.
Love to all,
Your friends
Evie Kraatz and family

October 27, 2009

So sorry to hear about Dean. We miss his stories and jokes which kept us entertained all winter in Florida. You were the best neighbors and we miss you both. The Bahamian Club is a lot quieter without you and Dean. God Bless you and your family. Larry and Bev Falinski, New Smyrna Beach, FL

October 27, 2009

Marilyn,we had so much fun meeting you two thru Mike and Sharon during the Kalmazoo car show. Surprised we didn't get thrown out of the hotel with all the good jokes.Thinking of you, Larry and Sandy Waid

Bob & Mert Walenski

October 27, 2009

Our hearts and lives were touched by a great man that the world has now lost. We extend our deepest sympathy to you, Marilyn and your children. We will never forget all the good times we had together. Dean is with God now and I imagine he is telling him many good stories.

Wayne Gorter

October 27, 2009

We were neighbors for such a short while, but remained friends forever.
Our kids still talk about our fun neighbors.
I always enjoyed our "Happy Hour" when I was in towm. He will be missed.
The Gorter Family- Ruskin, FL and Walkerville, MI

October 27, 2009

Marilyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I fondly remember you and Dean in my childhood and how you helped me through my dad's death at such a young age. You were both so kind to me!
Molly (Murphy) Leins
Daughter of Bob Murphy-Midland

Ron Fokken

October 27, 2009

You know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Dean was a very special friend and will be missed, even though we haven't been able to visit much in the past few years. I still have a lot of terrific memories of the times we shared with Dean.

The Callaways

October 27, 2009

We love ya Deano!! Marilyn we are always here for you!

John and Martha Ann Schreur

October 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I will always remember Dean as a dear friend and fellow early morning golfer at Milham Park. Martha Ann and I treasured the times we visited with you at your home and celebrated during the 80th party!

Dave Eddy

October 27, 2009

Our thoughts are with the family. There was only one Dean Sible. I remember well one quick flying trip to Atlanta, GA on behalf of the United Way in 1977 on the Clark Equipment Co. jet. Dean was the star of the show. Rest in peace friend.

Stephenie & Jack Fink

October 27, 2009

We are thinking of you Marilyn and remembering Dean as well. Take Care and God Bless you and your family.

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