William Baker Gibbon

William ("Bill") Baker Gibbon passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026 in Burnsville, Minnesota at the age of 100. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lucie Gibbon; wife Lynne (Cataldo); sister Robbie McReynolds; and great-grandsons James and John.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Arlene (Wemhoff); son Bill (Leigh Anne) Gibbon; and daughters Donna (Andy) Anger; and Chris (Matthew Schantz) Gibbon. He has four

grandchildren: Lydia, Gracie, Stephanie, and Reagan; and 3 great-grandchildren: Ellie, Ewan, and Sophie. He was a beloved uncle.

Bill joined the Navy in 1943 and served until the end of WWII in the pharmacy on a troop transport ship in the Pacific theater. He attended Georgetown University on the Gl bill and graduated with a degree in foreign service. After working for the Department of Defense and later at Colliers and Look magazines in New York, Bill completed Master's and PhD degrees at the University of Pennsylvania.

On completion of his PhD, Bill was recruited to establish the Russian language program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he conducted research, taught, and was beloved by students.

Following Bill's academic career, he devoted himself to his family, landscaping, travel, and the 7-year project of building a yellow brick road on his acreage in Malcolm, Nebraska.

Bill was adored by all who met him for his quick wit, infectious smile, and tenderness. Bill gifted each of us with fond memories of his bright smile and easy laughter, twinkly blue eyes and unfiltered, witty remarks. Honestly!

A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savage, Minnesota, on Monday, March 30th, at 10:30 am.

Memorials requested to Maryknoll Missions and Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements by National Cremation Society, 6505 Nicollet Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 869-3418