William Edward Hibbs

1948 - 2024

William Edward Hibbs

February 16, 1948 - July 9, 2024

Bloomington, Minnesota - William ("Bill") Edward Hibbs, 76, of Bloomington, MN, died July 9, 2024, after living with dementia the past few years.

He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on February 16, 1948, to Walter and Betty (Nelson) Hibbs. The family later moved to Omaha, Nebraska and then Cedar Falls, Iowa. Bill attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he met Jan Daker. They married in 1968. Their first child, Julie, was born in 1974 and died of a brain tumor in 1980. In 1982, they welcomed a second child, Annie. Bill and his family lived in the upper Midwest, moved to south Florida for ten years, then returned north to Bettendorf, IA, then Belleville, IL and Apple Valley, MN.

Bill's long career in managing home improvement stores included stints with Menards, Lowe's and Home Depot. He was a highly respected manager and "turn-around" specialist who mentored many employees and never missed a chance to encourage participation in the employee stock purchase program.

As a young man, Bill loved weightlifting and often entered weightlifting competitions. In mid-life, he volunteered countless hours with Habitat for Humanity. Although traveling was not his passion, Bill happily accompanied his wife/family on trips to New Zealand, Costa Rica, Canada, New Mexico and Europe. In 2020, Bill bought a cabin on the Minong Flowage (WI), where his family spent four wonderful summers.

Bill was a devoted husband, and a tremendous father to his two daughters. While Julie was battling cancer, Bill was always there for her and Jan. His second daughter, Annie, filled his life with joy. They loved making breakfast waffles together and going out for "Taco Tuesday." Annie added new joy to Bill's life when she married Erik, and gave Bill a grandson, Arne. Bill was the best grandfather a kid could ask for. He taught Arne to play chess, took him to many Saturday morning Home Depot toy workshops, and sparked Arne's love of chickens.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan Daker; his daughter, Annie Hibbs (Erik Ulness) of Edina, MN; his grandson, Arne; his sister, Besty Hibbs; sisters-in-law, Kristin Hibbs and Diane Brauer; brother-in-law, Chas Daker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, 2nd Lt. Robert Hibbs and Dale Hibbs, and his daughter, Julie.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 21, from 10:30 11:30 a.m., followed by an informal ceremony in the gathering room at Applewood Pointe of Bloomington, 8341 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN.

If you would like to support an organization in honor of Bill, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity or the Alzheimer's Association.