John Gibbons

John (Jack) Lloyd Gibbons, age 90, of Appleton, passed away on July 20, 2026. He was born to Lloyd Gibbons and Dorothy Hopkins on July 4, 1936 in Amherst, Wisconsin. He grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1955.

On June 1, 1957, he married Beth Hillegas in Seymour. Together they raised five children. Beth passed away in 2019 after 62 years of marriage. In 2020, John reconnected with former high school classmate Mary Tauschek, and they were married in 2021.

Dad worked at the Banta Printing Company in Menasha for over 40 years as a pressman. In the 1960’s he served in the National Guard and was called to active duty in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He loved a good game of cribbage, was an avid photographer, completed many home renovations, and was a master woodworker, crafting numerous projects for family and friends over the years. Many wonderful gifts were produced in “Dad’s Workshop”.

After retiring, he enjoyed camping and wintering in Arizona, and in more recent years, traveling, cruises, and wintering in Texas.

Dad was a wonderfully kind, loving, and generous father, and was always there to lend a hand, no matter what was needed. He especially cherished time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed terribly.

John is survived by his wife, Mary; children: Julie (Ken) Hackbarth, Brian (Deb) Gibbons, Dean (Vicki) Gibbons, and Vicki Gibbons; son-in-law, Dennis Hackbarth, eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Nancy (Bruce) Hillegas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth; his parents; daughter, Lori Hackbarth; a great-grandson, Wesley Hackbarth; and his sisters: Doris Jean Jacklin and Beth Ann Lauer.

A memory sharing time and celebration of life will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond Street, Appleton. Visitation will take place on Thursday at the funeral home from 3:00 pm until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Bristol Hospice and the Heritage Thedacare staff.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.