David M. Nibbe

David Monroe Nibbe, born to Carl and Pansy Nibbe on February 10, 1940, in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, passed away on June 19, 2025. He was a beloved figure in the communities he served and made a significant impact throughout his life as an educator, coach, and community leader.

Dave graduated from Hoffman High School as did his high school sweetheart, Carole Jean Strunk and they married in 1961. He pursued further education at Moorhead State, graduating in 1963. His teaching career began in Cyrus, Minnesota, where he taught for three years before moving to Madison in 1966. It was in Madison where Dave became an integral part of the community, serving as a teacher, coach, and activities director at the local high school. He finished his career at Lac qui Parle Valley High School and retired in 1997 after 33 years in education and 20 years as Activities Director. Dave and Jean spent their retirement years in the Alexandria Minnesota and Mesa Arizona areas.

Dave was an avid coach of track and field, basketball and football. He coached track and field for most of his career for both Madison and Lac Qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd. Dave was known for his phrases that resonated with his athletes, notably, "Do as I say not as I do." His nurturing spirit extended beyond athletics; he was a kind, welcoming person revered for his strong leadership qualities and his passion for education. He instilled values of commitment and community service in his children, which has carried on through the initiatives created by the Nibbe Family Foundation and The Nibbe Track and Field Invitational.

Dave enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including golfing, gardening, and fishing. He was known for his love of cribbage, which brought joy to family gatherings, especially during their spirited tournaments. Furthermore, he held a daily ritual of completing crossword puzzles for 50 years and was also an avid coin collector.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Jean Nibbe; children, Jay Nibbe, Dawn (Lorne) Guse, and Jeffrey (Alissa) Nibbe; and grandchildren, Justin and Alexander Guse, and Cameron, Samuel, Jeremiah and Elijah Nibbe. Also survived by siblings Donald, Roger (Arlou), Cindy Sprouls and sisters-in-law Kay Nibbe and Jill Strunk and brothers-in-law David Strunk and John (Pirjo) Strunk.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Pansy Nibbe; his brother, Dale Nibbe; niece, Kara Strunk; mother and father-in-law, Cam and Helen Strunk; sisters-in-law, Maxine Nibbe and Sharon Strunk; and brother-in-law, Keith Strunk.

Dave Nibbe was a husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach and mentor who will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on June 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 605 Douglas St, Alexandria, MN followed by a memorial service that will begin at 11:00 AM.