Gary H. Gibbs

Gary H. Gibbs

April 03, 1943 — July 15, 2026

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.” Matthew 13:47

Gary Hiram Gibbs of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at the age of 83. During a brief stay in the hospital, Gary died peacefully with his beloved family by his side.

Gary was born in Lansing Iowa, on April 3rd, 1943 to Lester and Dorothy (Irons) Gibbs.  Born into a commercial fishing family, beginning at a young age, Gary worked with his uncles at their commercial fishing business and continued to do so until the mid 60’s.  Gary graduated from Kee High School in 1961. In 1965 Gary married Ceil Knopf and together they had 2 boys. They later divorced. In 1979 Gary married Gina Haney and together they had 3 boys. They later divorced. The last 30 years, Gary has resided in Prairie du Chien with his loving partner Shirleen Hying.

Gary had a variety of jobs over his lifetime. This includes Chief Deputy for Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department in 1968, Trane Company, Iowa Water Patrol for Department of Natural Resources, Chief of Police in Lansing Iowa, Lansing Ambulance volunteer, Fire Department volunteer, Patrolman officer for the city of Marquette Iowa, MPC components and 3M Company in Prairie du Chien.

Over his life Gary had many hobbies. If you knew Gary, recreational fishing and camping were his greatest hobbies. He had his secret fishing holes near Black Hawk Park and often came back with daily limits. He often had small fish fry’s with his family and friends. Gary and Shirl had a permanent camp site at Black Hawk Park near Desoto WI and would camp from March through October every year. Gary also enjoyed the occasional adult beverages, exaggerated fish stories, fixing anything he had to avoid paying someone else. In the early years he was known to have a chain saw in the car trunk to cut down any dead trees by the side of the road for home heating.

Above all, Gary loved his family and friends, and considered many friends as family. He looked forward to visits with and always had a pot of coffee on when the neighbors stopped by.

Cherishing fond memories are: his loving partner, Shirleen Hying; Sons, Dan Gibbs (Tammy), Derrick Gibbs, Gary Jr. Gibbs, Scott Gibbs, Brett Gibbs (April), multiple Grandchildren, special friends, Rocky and Rocket (pets).

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will be having a private service. Per Gary’s request; Family and friends are welcome to stop for a Celebration of Life at Bob’s Bar on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 in Prairie du Chien between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or cards please direct memorials to your local Fire, EMS or cancer non-profits. We would like to express a special thanks to Gunderson Health System for the excellent care and empathy Gary has received over the last 6 years.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.