ELWOOD — James M. “Mike” Hibst, 65, Bourbon, formerly of Elwood, passed away at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Mike was born Sept. 23, 1952, in Elwood, the son of Fred E. Hibst and Norma J. Breece Hibst. He attended St. Joseph School in Elwood until the eighth grade, then attended Elwood schools. Mike was baptized in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood early in life. He graduated from high school in 1970 in Fort Wayne.
Mike worked as a machinist at Zimmer Biomet Corp., Warsaw, for many years, and retired from his position in 2017. Earlier in life, he also worked at Airfoil Textron in Elwood for many years.
Mike was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed cooking, spending time with his dogs, and was a devoted Indiana University basketball and Texas Tech sports fan. He was a loving son, father and brother who will be greatly missed by all.
Mike’s family legacy includes his father, Fred (wife Geri) Hibst, Elwood; four sons: Chris Hibst, Elwood; Chad (wife Michele) Hibst, Shelbyville; Andy (wife Michelle) Hibst, Elwood; and Jon Hibst, Bourbon and also stationed in Norfolk, Va., in the U.S. Navy; siblings: Becky Sue Lantz, Fort Wayne; Tim Hibst, Elwood; and Kelly Klingler, Atlanta, Ga.; five grandchildren: Addison Hibst, Victoria Hibst, Drake Hibst, Hannah Hibst and Zac Hibst; and several nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Norma J. Kiefer; two aunts, Pat and Susie; and an uncle, Phil.
A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, with Father Dan Duff of St. Joseph Church officiating. Burial of Mike’s ashes will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elwood, privately by the family.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday prior to the memorial service at the funeral home.
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Memorials to the Elwood Food Pantry at the Morrisett Center through the funeral home.
