OSKALOOSA — Dennis “Grizz” Hibler, 57, of Oskaloosa, died Friday morning, Jan. 18, 2013, at the Mahaska Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. 

He was born Oct. 25, 1955, at Oskaloosa, the son of Wesley and Marilyn Lockard Hibler. He graduated from the Oskaloosa Senior High School with the class of 1973. In 1978, he began working at Clow Valve Company, and was a receiving clerk in the warehouse until illness no longer allowed him to work. On June 29, 1979, Grizz was united in marriage to Rhonda Stephenson at Oskaloosa. He enjoyed riding his Harley and attending cycle functions as well as going to Sturgis, and was a member of ABATE District 14. He enjoyed the companionship of his chocolate labs, the late Humphrey, and now Abby. Grizz maintained and added to his childhood toy collection, and enjoyed trips to Menards for just the right tools. He was a “simple man” but enjoyed sports cars and detailing cars; working in the yard; and hanging out on the deck with family and friends. Grizz had a great sense of humor and enjoyed the many early years he spent with his grandparents on their farm. Grizz always looked forward to correspondence from his “chemo-angel” Linda Cain, of Fort Collins, Colo.

His family includes his wife, Rhonda Hibler, of Oskaloosa; his mother and stepfather, Marilyn and Eddie Hoover, of Oskaloosa; a sister: Cindy Peterson (and Mike Gatton), of What Cheer; and her children, Amy (and Eric) Stout, of Oskaloosa, and Michael (and Molly) Peterson, of Montezuma; a step brother: Carroll Hoover; a step sister: Becky Netten, all of Oskaloosa; three sisters-in-law: Brenda (and John) Lown, of Webster, Peggy and (and Duane) Van Dee, of North English, and Cathy (and Ron) Fry, of Sigourney; and other nieces and nephews; and his faithful chocolate lab, Abby.

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother-in-law: Janice Stephenson; a brother-in-law: Alan Stephenson; and one of his labs, Humphrey.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Monday after 10:30 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Monday from 5 – 8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. A memorial fund has been established in his name.