William “Bill” B. Bibler, 86, of Winona Lake, passed away at 11:58 p.m. Aug. 26, 2012, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, following a heart attack.
He was born during a blizzard in his Warsaw residence on March 17, 1926, to Roy O. and E. Faun Roath Bibler. On Oct. 31, 1954, in Orlando, Fla., he married Marilyn “Jean” Carr, who survives.
An only child, he grew up on the family farm and began his career by selling fishworms at age 9, which helped him pay for his clothes throughout high school. He was a graduate of Pierceton High School in 1944, Cook and Bake School for the Army at Ft. Sheridan, Ill., and was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp, where he was honorably discharged in 1945. Throughout his career, he worked for Reid Murdoch, Arnolt Corp and several construction companies.
Father and son joined together to form Bibler Construction. For more than 40 years, they built more than 400 homes and buildings including grocery stores and the Dog-n-Suds. They dug ponds, lakes and built streets. As a builder and land developer, his various corporations and partners were responsible for creating many of the following: Bibler Addition, Lake Sharon, Brookwood, Southtown Estates, Hidden Lake, Airport Park and the following shopping centers: Lakeview, Center Center, Eastlake and Marketplace.
He was a member of Pierceton Presbyterian Church and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw. He enjoyed history, collecting and spending time with his grandchildren. For his philanthropic and community endeavors, he was honored to be named the 2010 Kosciusko County Man of the Year.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn “Jean” Bibler, Winona Lake; two daughters, Shari (and spouse Tom) Skaggs and Sandy Lynn Bibler, all of Winona Lake; a son, William “Bill” R. (and spouse Benita) Bibler, Winona Lake; seven grandchildren: Tyler Skaggs, Valparaiso; Kelsay Skaggs, Riviera Beach, Fla.; Ashley Skaggs, Decatur, Ill.; Kylie Skaggs and William C. “Will” and Grant Bibler, all of Winona Lake; and Rachel Bibler, West Lafayette; in-laws, Betty and John Cardwell, Ocean View, Del.; Harold “Butch” and Carol Carr, Orlando, Fla.; a niece; five nephews; a great-niece; and three great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kathryn Irene Bibler, who died Dec. 16, 1969.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, officiated by the Rev. Steven M. Mullin. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military rites by members of American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 1126, both in Warsaw, and by active duty members of the military.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Special Olympics – Indiana/Kosciusko County, c/o Judy Weidner, 5225 Heron Blvd., Warsaw, IN 46582; Pierceton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 345, Pierceton, IN 46562; or to Our Father’s House, 401 Argonne Road, Warsaw, IN 46580 and would be appreciated by his family.
Condolences may be sent via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
