Willard Gibbs

Willard D. "Papa" Gibbs, 78, of Waukegan, Il died November 28, 2014 at Vista Medical Center East. Willard was born January 29, 1936 in Waukegan, where he resided his whole life. He attended Zion-Benton Township High school and later worked for Johnson Motors until he retired in 1983. He was a member of the Zion Benton Moose Lodge for over 40 years and a member of the Sportsman Club of the Moose. The most important thing to Willard were his friends and family. He enjoyed cooking, baking, and making his famous baked beans. He loved family parties and throwing his yearly fish fry at the house. If he wasn't spending time with family, he was often fishing and smoking fish or hunting for rabbits and pheasants. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia, his "Sweetie Pie;" children, Pam (Brian) Wilson, Don Gibbs, Joan Gibbs, and Cathy (Scott) Modlin; grandchildren, Kelly (Frank) Wilson, Kenny Brown, Michelle (Ryan) Wilemon, Tara (Mike) Gibbs, Westley (Christina) Sikich, Tiffany Sikich, Garrett, and Andrea; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Aurora, Taryan, Mikey, Jordan, and Tristan; siblings, Barb (Olen) Paulsen, Mary (Andy) Johnson, Pat (Bob) Olsen, Carol (Al) McCormic, Ruth (Bill) Mitchell, Suzan (Chris) Arnold, Bill (Brenda) Colp, and Willard (Barb) Gibbs; sister-in-law, Judy Gibbs; and numerous nieces nephews, and coffee partner, Paul (Dorothy) Welch. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard M. Giibs; mother and step-father, Josephine and Woodrow Colp; brother, Chester Gibbs; sister, Joan Ann Gibbs; son-in-law, Michael Wilson; and daughter-in-law, Sue Gibbs. Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moose Heart or Moose Haven, through the Zion Benton Moose Lodge, 41517 N Sheridan Rd, Zion, IL 60099.