In Loving Memory
John "Jack" P. Kibbie
July 14, 1929 - March 4, 2025
Jack's funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ROSARY
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
3:30 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
VISITATION
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
PARISH VIGIL SERVICE
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Thursday, March 13, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CELEBRANT
Rev. Paul Kelly
INTERMENT
Calvary Cemetery
Ayrshire, Iowa
John P. “Jack” Kibbie, son of John T. and Nell (Keeney) Kibbie, was born on July 14, 1929, on the family farm in Palo Alto County, Iowa. He attended school in Ayrshire, Iowa, and graduated from Ayrshire High School in 1947. After high school, he began his farming career with his father. In 1958, he married Alice Austin of Arnolds Park, Iowa, and they were blessed with six children.
Jack’s lifetime of service began in Korea, where he served as a tank commander in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, earning a Bronze Star for his heroic achievements. In 1954, with the assistance of his mother, he became the Palo Alto County Democratic chairman, marking the beginning of his political career. Jack served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1961 to 1964 and was then elected to the Iowa Senate, where he served from 1965 to 1968. During his time in the Senate, Jack’s perseverance and dedication led to the passage of legislation that established Iowa’s community college system. He took great pride in Iowa Lakes Community College and its offerings to students, serving as a board member for 17 years and as president of the board for 10 years. Jack will forever be remembered as the “Father” of Iowa’s community colleges.
Dedicated to his community, Jack was involved in numerous service organizations. He served as the VFW Post Commander in 1980 when the hall was built and was an active member of the Ayrshire Legion. Jack’s commitment to public service prompted his return to the Iowa Senate from 1988 to 2012. In 2005, he was chosen by his colleagues to serve as President of the Senate, a role he held with honor until his retirement in 2012. During this period, he met Kay Dietrich, and they were married on December 7, 1990. Kay became a valued companion and supported Jack throughout his Senate years.
In addition to his political career, Jack devoted his life to his faith, family, and friends. He served as a director of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ayrshire and later joined Holy Family Catholic Parish in Emmetsburg. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jack treasured his time with family and was immensely proud of his children’s accomplishments. He farmed with his two sons, Pat and Jim for over four decades, with a particular passion for the cattle business and the annual silage cutting. In 2018, he received the Beef Backer Award, a testament to his dedication to agriculture.
Jack instilled a strong sense of public service in his children. His daughter Margaret Kibbie Blais served 33 years in the military, retiring as a full-bird Colonel, while his daughters Luanne Kustra, Jackie Kibbie, and Kori Huberty dedicated their careers to public service in various community roles. Jack made it a priority to attend his grandchildren’s events and cherished visits with loved ones, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed card games with family and friends, moments he held dear throughout his life.
Jack left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and humility, touching countless lives across Iowa and his hometown of Emmetsburg. He was a true pillar of his community and state, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. Jack passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 95.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Nell Kibbie; his first wife, Alice; his second wife, Kay; his sisters, Margaret (Bill) McBreen and Janet (Jim) Harvey; and his daughter, Jackie Kibbie.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Luanne (Greg) Kustra of Carroll, Iowa; Pat (Deb) Kibbie of Emmetsburg; Jim (Kay) Kibbie of Emmetsburg; Margaret (Mark) Blais of Panama City, Florida; Kori (Bill) Huberty of Emmetsburg; and foster child Theresa (Martin) Pease of Milton, Florida; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; stepchildren John (Sandra) Dietrich of Waukee, Iowa; Debra (Mark) Walsh of Emmetsburg; Connie (Steve) Brockhaus of Moville, Iowa; Kevin (Ann) Dietrich of Fort Pierce, Florida; Jeff Dietrich of St. Peter, Minnesota; 15 step-grandchildren and 27 step-great-grandchildren; as well as many special nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
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