Mike Gibbs
December 21, 1950 ~ January 20, 2021
Age 70 of Hugo. Loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle & friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 20, 2021.
Mike was larger than life and deeply impacted those that had the privilege to meet him. His family was most important, and Mike would tell you, you did not have to be blood-related to be part of his family.
He was a true Patriot and served our country as a Marine during the Vietnam era and as a police officer for more than 25 years. The bulk of service was with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. He was a Deputy Sheriff, a detective in the Homicide and Narcotics divisions, was part of the East Metro Task Force, SWAT, and Dive teams and taught at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) several times. He valiantly ran for the position of Washington Country Sherriff and ultimately retired in 1999.
His life was packed with adventure. One of his favorite things was fishing in Canada and he found a way to get there and spent time there nearly every year of his life. Summers included boating and camping on the St Croix river, cross-country motorcycle trips, and countless day trips. More recently, he enjoyed riding his Rhino into the mountains of AZ and the hills of MN. He was a Sharpshooter in the military and as a police officer as well as a hunter of both game and foul. He raised racing pigeons, loved his dogs Rio and Kirby (his childhood dog), particularly. He had a talent for woodworking and painstakingly tended his beautiful 6-acre yard for the last 23 years. Mike loved music. Those who knew him best will confirm he liked music “everybody likes”. Mike shared his love of music with everyone he met and has been responsible for creating a sizeable “cult following” of Don McLean’s “American pie”. He and Mary were married at St John the Baptist Catholic Church of Hugo where he was a participating member of the congregation for the better part of the last 50 years. He was a fierce protector. Even in his final days, he had a wicked sense of humor, a generous spirit, and charisma in spades. He lived a life of intention with integrity and impacted many.
Upon his passing, his nephew Mark said the following, "How many people actually live so long into their retirement with no lack of living? He lived it to the fullest, just the way he wanted, and burned the candle at both ends."
Preceded in death by parents, Gordon father & mother-in-law, Roy & Viola Brisson; sister-in-law, Clare Brisson; son-in-law, Greg Johnson; friend, John Trippel; brother-in-law, Ray Cummings; nephews, Jacob Reid, Ben Barsness;. Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Mary; children, Lisa (Greg) Barthel, Amie (Dave) Walden, Michael (Sarah Kopp), Nick (Emily); grandchildren, Grace, Will, Nathan, Nicolle (Joe), Samantha (Jason), Iris, Noah, Aidan, Gabe, Layla, Emery; great-grandchildren, Joey, Jordyn, Jorgia, Maxwell, Miles; siblings, Pat (Chuck) Barsness, Jan Reid, Kris (Steve Mark) Howell, Susan (Andy) Chavez; many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.
Visitation 11 AM – 1 PM, Funeral service 1 PM Saturday, January 30th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. A celebration of Mike’s life will take place at a later date. Interment immediately following the service at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Hugo.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Mike’s military service to our country in the Marine Corps.
We have many memories of time spent with Mike. The first one that comes to mind is from 2010, when we toured and cruised in Alaska with Mike and Mary. It as Mike and Mary’s 40th anniversary. One night at dinner, we presented Mike and Mary with individual gifts to celebrate their anniversary. The look on Mike’s face when he opened his “gift” was priceless. His jaw dropped as he gazed in amazement at a pair of shiny red men’s boxers with hearts on them. These “special boxers” had been originally discovered when sorting at his Dad’s place. Mike and his siblings then began ‘regifting’ these boxers. Mike couldn’t figure out how he could be getting these boxers on a cruise ship in Alaska. Thanks Kris for letting us be part of this ‘gifting’ and a memory we will never forget. Terry and Pam Dunn
Mike was a special friend and definitely a unique character. He will be greatly missed.
Mike was a strong and generous soul. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with him, Mary and family in Minnesota and Arizona. He was always extremely kind and I always found him and his stories very interesting. He did live life to the fullest and his love of outdoor activities was obvious and contagious. RIP Mike and thank you for your impact on my life. 😘💜
Sent with love and remembrance,
The three men I admire most, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost…..you Mike, FLETC and American Pie are forever engraved into my mind and in my heart. To the kindest gentle giant I have ever known. RIP buddy and I will see you on the other side at the UC Table. Jenny
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Mike was one of those guys who could always make you laugh. He was such a great support to me when I started at WCSO 23+ years ago. I will definitely miss the big bear hugs. Rest in peace, Mike – you were a wonderful human.
With loving memories of “Mike Gibbs”,
Dear sweet Mary and family….we are so sorry for your loss, our loss of a dear friend. Knowing each other since childhood years, we felt more like family. We are so blessed that God brought you all into our lives. You are all so dear to our hearts. We will miss Mike’s smile and sense of humor, as well as his colorful personality. Please know you are all on our hearts and in our prayers. Peace and love, Pat & Gene L’Allier ❤️🙏🏻
Sorry for your loss Mary and your family. Mike was a good guy and fun to work with. He will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you and your family. Mike & Laurie Hankee
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sending love and hugs to the entire family. We didn’t know Mike, but he sounds like a wonderful person. Love, the Zirbes Family
Mary&Family, Mike was truly a special guy. He was good to me & boy did we love to banter! : ) I will miss him. You all are in my thoughts & prayers.
When I worked at the little clinic in Hugo. Mike often stopped in for a cup of coffee we always had on hand. He just livened up the place and made our work day fun! He definitely was larger than life. My sympathies to Mary and family. Kathie
We are so sorry for your great loss. All our love, Rick & Holly
Mary and Lisa, Amiee, Mike and Nick. We were so sorry to hear that Mike had passed. I got to know the Gibbs family because I was the first grade teacher for all four Gibbs’s kids. Mike was lots of fun. He was serious when he came to his kids school conferences! I remember one conference when I had to tell him one of his children was very smart, but was wasting time and was a little too social. Mike was not pleased!! The next day his child came to school, finished all the work and was on task all day. I commented that he must have had a talk with his dad. Nick nodded his head and patted his bottom. He said,” He sure did.” No problems after that! Mike was lots of fun, but he took his kids education very seriously. I have known the Gibbs in school. church and as friends with our kids. I have enjoyed seeing the kids grow up to be a tribute to their parents. I have special memories of each one. When I was still teaching, each one would stop to say hello. I know you brought your parents much joy. Me Too! The Oswald family will keep you in our prayers and remember all the happy times we shared!!
Mike was one of the great ones. He will be sorely missed!
The Gibbs Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with on your loss. Bruce Ringkob, Tim Mayek and Reed Smith
I remember as a kid Mike will drive up and down our dirt Road in Hugo on our little lake when he worked for the Washington County Sheriffs Department. I thought I was so cool and special cause I was related to him and thought that was so neat for him to even talk to us when we were kids. As an adult I got to know them a lot better and just remember his kindness and sense of family. I will forever remember you Mike. Ross & Marnie Gibbs
Thinking of you.
Mary and Family, I am saddened by the passing of sweet Mike! He was such a great guy and will be missed by so many of us! Prayers and love to all!
From Paul Johnson retired Deputy 152. I remember the nights working with Mike and he was a great guy and Deputy. You could always depend on him in a pinch and he is sorely missed. RIP 122
We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. All are thoughts and prayers from Texas. Jerry and Diane Krueger Darcie and Jerry and families
To Nick and Family, Our sincere condolences.
Dear Nick and Family, our thoughts and support are with you during this time. With heartfelt condolences,
I am saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mary and the kids. I had met Mike thru Mary at all those phone company parties years ago and he was always so fun, welcoming, and remembered my name! Always with a great joke! Sorry, I will be out of town Saturday but will say a prayer and keep you in my heart. Deedee
yeah Big Mike alright..the guy who could/would make u laugh..he loved to sing..the few times out at the lake in cannon falls, it was live haroake nights.. he was always nice to me..and very much accepted me in the family..i still tell stories about em’ when i hear or see something to bring back those memories..he’ll certainly be remembered..elhankstar..
Thank you for the laughs, music and for always making us feel like family Big Mike. You will be missed.
I worked with Mike for many years at WCSO. Mike exemplified courage and confidence. He will be missed by many. Please accept my sincere condolences. Scott Malinosky
Mary, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, John told me. We had many wonderful times, what a great man. Thinking of you and your family. Sandy Hall
Sending all my love, and the deepest condolences to all of Mike’s family. I am so happy that I got to know Mike — he always lit up the room.
Mary and families, so sorry to hear of Mikes death. We have fond memories of time spent with you guys thru Pat and Chuck.. prayers and hugs. Harold and Arlene Overbye
My thoughts and prayers go out to my friend Lisa and family Mary, Lisa, Aimee, Mike and Nick at this time. Mike was a wonderful man and I knew this after only meeting him once. May he finally rest in peace. Much love to you all! Kim Hanson
Deepest sympathies to you Mary and family. Such a beautiful eulogy to a very loved man.