TIBBETTS, Robert L., age 92

Died: Sunday, January 17th, 2016

There are no immediate plans for a service. His ashes will be interred in the Neillsville City Cemetery this May or June.

Memorials may be given to the First Congregational Church in Eau Claire or the UW Madison College of Engineering.

Robert L. Tibbetts, age 92, died on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire. 

Bob was born on October 3, 1923 to the late Manly Day and Inez (Jackson) Tibbetts in Beloit, WI. He grew up in Steven's Point and graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1941. After attending UW Steven's Point for one year, he enlisted in the Navy V-12 Officers Candidate program. Under this program, he spent 1 year at Lawrence College (where he met his wife) then transferred to UW-Madison College of Engineering. Upon completing the Officer Candidate program, he received his Ensign Commission at Columbia University, New York, NY. After his discharge following the war, Bob returned to UW Madison to finish his degree in electrical engineering.

On November 9, 1945, Bob married Marguerite Brown at the bride's home in Neillsville, WI.  In February 1947, the couple moved to Beloit where Bob went to work at Fairbanks Morse Company in their generator department making auxiliary generators for the atomic subs. In the late 50's, several ex-navy men started a Naval Reserve unit in the Beloit/Janesville area. Bob ended his 37 years of active and reserve duty as a Lt. Commander and head of this reserve unit.

In 1979, he went to work for Fish Oven Company which made commercial ovens. Upon his retirement in 1989, the couple moved to Eau Claire to be nearer family and their cottage on the Chippewa Flowage where he loved to fish. Bob was a creative fixer; he could disappear for hours in his workshop at home and the cabin.

Bob will be remembered for his generous and helpful nature. He was an active and hardworking volunteer, helping those in need or supporting community projects. He loved music, especially singing for over 40 years in the First Congregational choirs in Beloit and then again in Eau Claire. Bob enjoyed genealogical research taking him and Marguerite on many trips searching cemeteries and courthouses throughout the country. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marguerite; daughter, Pamela Tibbetts (Linda Ellwein); sons, Charles (Eva) Tibbetts and Robert F. (Ye) Tibbetts; grandchildren, Philip Tibbetts and Rebecca Tibbetts; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Hazel Verchota.

The family expresses their gratitude and thanks for the wonderful care given by the staffs at Azura Memory Care Center, the Mayo Hospice, and Home Instead care.