Joseph "Joe" Gibson

Joseph "Joe" Gibson passed away on February 28, 2026, in Greenville, Michigan. Born on December 1, 1951, in Midland, Michigan, Joe built a life defined by loyalty, connection, dependability, and an unshakable commitment to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Anne Gibson.

Joe is survived by Marsha Gibson, his wife and lifelong partner, with whom he built a family that was the center of his world. Their children: Lisa (Dave) Britt, Chad Gibson, Matthew Gibson, Joey Gibson, Zachary (Kate) Gibson and 15 cherished grandkids: Joseph, Oliver, Isabella, Ava, Emma, Abby, Charlie, Hudson, Elliot, Sam, Claire, Amelia, Gavin, Norah, and Mabel. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Gibson, and his beloved companion, Tucker, who was rarely far from his side.

Joe was an entrepreneur at heart. Over the course of his life, he opened and operated numerous restaurants throughout Michigan, Colorado, Iowa, and Texas. The restaurant business suited him - it was fast-paced, people-centered, and built on relationships. Joe never met a stranger. He stayed connected to friends, employees, customers, and acquaintances for decades.

A self-proclaimed meteorologist, he never hesitated to let family and friends know what weather to expect. He was also something of a human compass - he always knew where he was and could tell you exactly how to get where you needed to go.

Joe loved the peace of the outdoors in every season - skiing and snowmobiling in winter, boating, sailing and waterskiing in warmer months, and two-tracking and hunting in the quiet of the fall woods. He loved to watch the sunrise through the trees over the lake, cheesy rom coms, driving with no particular destination, fall color tours, grilling, and never hesitated to fix himself a well-earned plate.

Above all else, Joe loved his family. He never missed a game, recital, gathering, or milestone. One thing you could never call Joe was uninvolved. He was involved in everything - even if he wasn't supposed to be. From birth to death and all the ordinary days in between, you could count on Joe (and Tucker) to be there.

His life was measured not only in years, but in calls made, miles traveled, events attended, and people remembered. He leaves behind a family who will miss his directions without hesitation, his forecasts before the storm, his taco Tuesday reminders, and his frequent "just checking in" messages. They will miss the sound of his voice at the other end of the phone - a voice that always answered.

Please join the family for a visitation on March 14 from 4-7pm at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd Street in Holland. A time of sharing memories will take place at 6pm. Following the visitation, a celebration of life will be planned for this coming summer.

Flowers may be arranged through the family's preferred florist, Gardenground Floral.

He found peace in the quiet of Michigan's forests and on the shores of Houghton Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in his memory to the Michigan Forest Association, or to an organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.

michiganforests.org

landtrust.org

gtrlc.org/about/support-the-work-of-the-conservancy

fishtownmi.org/donate