John "Jack" Kibbie Obituary

Senator Jack Kibbie was a man of integrity who led by example. His legacy of leadership for family farm agriculture and rural Iowa was one we can all be proud of. A group of Midwest legislators formed a bipartisan coalition during the huge drop of agriculture prices in 1997. Hogs went to 8 cents and cattle down in the 20s cwt.
Jack Was a member of our group. He stood up time and again for what was best for Iowa and the Midwest. He did so not by bullying but by COOPERATION. Jack helped pass Mandatory livestock price reporting {sponsored by South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle}, Country of Origin Labeling {Sponsored by South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson} State Inspected meats and many more key agricultural issues on the state and national level.
Our group did a national press conference on the lawn of our national capitol and Jack was a key presenter. His common sense low key efforts strong a chord with the media and national legislators in securing passage of key bill. So many stories to tell. He was truly a great individual who put others first. Deepest sympathy to his family who allowed him to serve the people of his district and all Iowa. Please know that he made Emmittsburg, his legislative District, all of Iowa, the Midwest and our nation a better place to live, raise a family, work play and retire in. So sorry we missed the funeral. Frank Kloucek retired 22 year legislator Scotland, South Dakota

To the Kibbie kids: I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember going house to house with Sandy and Terri in the mid- 60’s helping to campaign for your dad by leaving pamphlets - long time ago. And seeing you guys with your mom and dad every Sunday at Sacred Heart Church. He and dad served together as directors for many years. What a truly impressive down- to- earth guy he was doing so much for Iowa and Palo Alto County. He’ll be missed by many!

Just watched the video. So many, many great pictures of an awesome guy who loved his family, his farm, his country, and everyone he met throughout his life! He was so very proud of each of you kids, and he left a great legacy for you all!! Keep his memories close, as he will always be watching over you!

RIP Jack, I will miss you in the pool hall. Larry Jones

Jackie, my sympathies to you, and your whole family. He was a great man. You can all be very proud of him, and I, along with many people can be grateful for what he did for the people of Iowa!

Jack Kibbie....Loved his family, faith, farming. Loved his country. Always smiling. HONORABLE MAN.

J JUSTICE FOR ALL
A Ambitious, Admirable family man and leader
C Charismatic, Compassionate, Charitable
K Kind, Known as an exemplar Senator

K Korean War, Knowledgeable about Democracy
I Inspirational, Influential Democrat and Iowan
B Big Hearted in all aspects of life, Brilliant man
B Beloved, Brave in serving our Country
I ICONIC
E Education for all kids, Empathetic, Endearing

Luanne, Pat, Margaret, Jim, and Kory.... May you feel your dad's Angel Wings enveloping you with a big hug. In this time of sorrow, know that you are loved by so many that live near and far. Jack is gone from your sight but will never be gone from your loving memories, heart, and soul. Take care and God Bless.

He was a good friend of my family. We grew up together in Ayrshire and we went to the same schools . He was ahead of me by a few years. He always stayed connected with me and visited us in CA some years ago. Remarkable man and accomplished many political achievements along with being a good farmer and family man. Hard to imagine how many individuals he had an influence on. Think of his involvement in the community over the his lifetime from being a good neighbor and his political career. He will be missed by many. RIP Jackie.

"Wow!" and "Thank You!"
Those are the thoughts that come to me as I think of Jack Kibbie.
Wow! What a life. What contributions. What character. What a leader. What a visionary. What a family. What friends.
Thank You! Thank you for the multitude of ways you worked to influence positive change. Thank you for the Kibbie-Sweeney friendship over many years.
I offer a poem that I think Jack would appreciate: Death Is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland. The poem ends with three words: All is well. And I trust all is well for Jack in whatever adventure lies beyond life on this planet.
God-speed, Jackand a toast for a life well-lived.

We were so sorry to hear of your father, grandfather, great grandfather passing away. He was a legend in this county. He was a friend to everyone he met. He went to work for my Dad when ran for representative in '58!. He will be missed by so many. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

To the Kibbie family, was so sorry when my daughter, Vicki called and told me your dad had passed. He was a gentleman, if there ever was one. Both Vicki and Scott have lots of memories of going to school together with Jackie and Pat. God will see you through this tough time.

Thank you Senator for your service to the great State of Iowa. Senator Kibbie was always winning to listen to your issue(s). We may not have agreed on every issue, but Senator Kibbie was always willing to share a cup of coffee afterwards in the Capitol Cafe.

Hutch awaits your arrival. You two have a lot to catch up on.

God-bless

Sheriff BIll Sage, Retired Cass County, IA

Sympathy to entire Kibble family. We always enjoyed our evening in Arizona with Jack and Palo Alto crew at San Tan Flats

My grandfather served in the Iowa Senate with Jack and always spoke of him as a man of great integrity and service to all Iowans. So very sorry for your loss.

god bless Jack and his family & THANKS FOR HIS SERVICE IN KOREA AND IOWA...

one day at a time what a great guy sorry for your loss

Jack Kibbie was an all around great guy and a dedicated public servant. I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed. My
sympathy goes out to his entire family.
Sincerely, Retired State Senator, Mike Connolly

Jack always welcomed me at the Statehouse and in Humboldt when he came to keep us abreast of the issues. He was truly a good statesman of his time in office.

Sorry for your loss . Family we love ya Marietta (kibbid

Jack was elected to the Senate while I was serving in the Iowa House. We could always count on him to work with us or give sage advise. After he retired we became close friends with Jack and Kay as we both wintered in Arizona. Our deepest sympathy to Jacks family. He thought so much of all of you. Yours was a life well lived Senator Kibbie. Rest in peace dear friend.

Jack and I served together in the Senate 2005- 2008. He was an effective leader and I liked him. Dot and I became great friends with Jack and his late wife Kay. He loved Iowa, Community Colleges, his family, and everything about Emmetsburg. We miss both of them.

Sending prayers, love and ((hugs)) to the family at this difficult time. Some of my best memories as a kid were a Kibbie event, whether it was swimming at the lake or at a wedding. Love you all so much!

Condolences to the entire Kibbie family. We feel extremely fortunate to have known Jack. He will surely be missed and leaves a great legacy.

Jack Kibbie has to be God's gift to Iowa, especially northwest Iowa. I am a beneficiary both as a community college student and a community college employee (nearly 4 decades), and during all those years saw first-hand what an incredible opportunity he provided for thousands of Iowans and for students from all over the world. "Good on ye, Johnnie".

My Dad, John Nelson, admired Jack Kibbie greatly his work as the best friend of Iowa Community Colleges. Because of Jack Kibbie many youth had opportunities at college and job training. I will never for get his public service spirit.

My most sincere condolences to the Kibbie family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack, but his daughter Jackie was my RA my freshman year at Briar Cliff in Sioux City. May your memories bring you comfort during this sad time.

Thank you Jack for the opportunity you provided for me, my family and so many, by your pursuit of higher education through our wonderful community colleges in Iowa.
You have benefited generations.

Whenever I become distraught over the times in which we live, I will think of Jack Kibbie and remember there was a time when strong, caring, compassionate, fun-loving, caring men worked to make their communities, their states, and their country better. No one exemplified that better than Jack Kibbie. I will not be in Iowa next Wednesday and Thursday, but you all will be in my thoughts.
May the Perpetual Light shine upon him and Kay.
May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs greet him at his arrival and lead him into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels greet him and may he have eternal rest.
Godspeed, Senator.

Your efforts to ensure Iowa continued to be a jewel among states with true citizen legislatures were remarkable, made more so by your unassuming demeanor. Community Colleges across our state flourish because of your investment in their cause as the "Father" of Iowa's Community Colleges. Thank you for being a fixture at Iowa Lakes and inspiring others to lead.

Dear Kibbie family, please accept my condolences. Mr. Kibbie was a good man, and may he rest in peace.

Kibbie Family, Sorry to hear about you dad. He was a great guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Julie (Loomis) & Rick Pelechek

I raise my glass to a man who spent his whole life in service to others. It is difficult to find a better friend than Senator Jack Kibbie. Fly high Senator, fly high!

Our thoughts and prayer for Jacks family. He will be missed.

~ To The Kibbie Family ~

Steve and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We will always have many delightful memories! You are all in our hearts and prayers.

Steve and Konnie Sue Egertson

I SAID A PRAYER

I said a prayer for you today, although you didn’t hear.

I asked God to help you with your grief and to lessen your fear.

May each day your grief become more bearable, and give you peace of mind.

You have lost a very special person who was to everyone so kind.

by Konnie Sue Egertson

Dear Patrick, Jim & Kory-

I want to express my sincere condolences to you & your family on the death of your beloved father. I spent a lot of time working for your dad& enjoying playing golf with him at the Great Oak Open going back to the 1970’s. I am sorry I probably won’t make it to the funeral. I will be in Washington D. C. For the installation of our former bishop, Cardinal McElroy as archbishop of D. C. and visiting my cousin Jay Murphy and other relatives. I will remember Jack in my Masses and divine office each day.

Blessings, Fr. Emmet Farrell

We enjoyed having you in our lives. We will miss your stories.

I worked for Senator Kibbie during the legislative session of 2006. I know it's cliché to say "they don't make 'em like that anymore," but they do not make 'em like Jack anymore. He thoughtfully approached every issue with the appropriate perspective and with kindness. He was very serious, but also had fun like when he asked for photocopies of a picture of his new E85 compatibletruck to share with every single person anywhere near the floor of the Iowa State Senate.

I don't live in Iowa anymore but am proud of my roots there because of people like Jack. He was the best of Iowa and countless people are better off because Jack existed - I amso grateful to be among them.My thoughts are with his family at this time.

may god bless JACK and his family at this time

Godspeed, Senator Kibbie.

It was an honor & a privilege to know you, Sir.

Thank You for your service to our nation & to the people of IOWA, Great Oak Township, and Ayrshire.

I will never forget you, Sir.

My sincerest condolences to your Family, your Friends, & many acquaintances.

We will miss you, Sir.

Our thoughts and prayers to the Kibbie family! Jack was an outstanding member of the community an will be missed!

Steve and I are so sorry for your loss of Jack....Steve will miss having coffee at him every morning.....Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time

To all Jack's family,
What a wonderful man who gave his life in honest, truthful, caring service to those he served and the land he worked. He loved America and fought in Korea. We can thank Jack Kibbie for Community Colleges.
I wanted Jack to live forever. A great life lived well. Sympathy to all family.

LuAnn, Thinking of you and ALL of your family.
Your dad was a "gentle- giant".
Thoughts and prayers.
Peg and Joleen

Jack Kibbie was a close family friend and quite possibly the best legislator the state of Iowa ever produced. He was a man of great courage, civility, common sense, and decency. In a dark time, we have his life as a beacon.

My Sympathy.

I am so sorry to read this. Jack was a great man and one of the few Democrats that I ever campaigned for. RIP Jack!

A great man who did so much for Community Colleges, and the town of Emmetsburg, and the county, and the state of Iowa. I am so sad to hear this. You can be very proud of his accomplishments. God Bless you Kori and everyone in the family.