Bernard J. "Bernie" Kibbe

The Kibbe family has lost their father, mentor, and patriarch. Bernard James Kibbe, 81, passed away at his home in Petoskey on April 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Bernie Kibbe is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Donna, and their children, Tonya (Patrick) Seese, Jamie (Adam) Richie, Jeanine (Richard) Hoth, and Matthew (Nancy) Kibbe. He is also survived by his eleven wonderful grandchildren, his growing brood of fourteen great-grandchildren, and his brothers Bobby and David. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Violet, his sister Doris, and his brother Rick.

Bernie was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, boating, and trail riding. But most of all, he loved fishing, often with his life-long friend Rocky. Whether it was summer in his boat on the bay or winter in his shanty, Bernie spent countless hours contemplating life and reeling in just about any kind of fish that can be found in Michigan’s fertile waters. Even now, he is probably still chasing the elusive Northern Antlered Pike that is rumored to inhabit the deepest waters of Crooked Lake.

Born in Lake Orion, Michigan, Bernie began working at Michigan Bell in the mid-1960’s. Shortly thereafter he moved north to Petoskey where he knew he wanted spend the rest of his life. The area’s numerous lakes and bountiful forests provided an idyllic setting to raise his family and enjoy his hobbies.

After retiring from the phone company, Bernie spent much of his time at his cabin on Pike Lake in the Upper Peninsula. He loved the annual gatherings at the cabin for deer camp and the hours he spent riding the trails and exploring the backwoods with Neighbor Dan.

Bernie was one of those guys who was good at almost everything. He could build things and fix things. For his final project, he carved and painted dozens of life-like fishing lures, which he signed and gave to many of his friends and family members. We will cherish these gifts as small monuments to his life.

What people will remember most about Bernie is his sense of humor. His well-planned and skillfully executed practical jokes often left his grandchildren petrified and maybe even a little scarred for life. It was all in good fun, however, and his elaborate stories and jokes have become legendary and are some of his children’s and grandchildren’s fondest memories. Their stories about Bernie often begin with something like “Remember that time Grandpa chased us around with his antique electric torture device? Or how about that time he kidnapped us, one by one, like a ninja, from around the campfire and pulled us into the woods?”

Bernie was deeply loved and respected by his family. His wisdom and generosity enriched our lives and helped make us what we are today. We will treasure our memories of this fine man. His passing has left a giant hole in our lives and in our hearts. Simply put, we have lost our hero. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Except the fish; the fish won’t miss him.

A celebration of Bernie Kibbe’s life will be held in June.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.