August 30, 1957 – January 22, 2020
Michael (Mike) Dean Kibler passed away January 22, 2020, at the Helena VA Hospital. He was born August 30, 1957, in Williamsport, PA, to Diana and Ed Kibler. Mike was the oldest of five kids (Mark, Chuck, Bonnie “Sis,” Bruce). The family traveled with the military when Mike was young, moving from Pennsylvania to England and ending up in Montana. The great outdoors became Mike’s playground as he grew up and, boy, did he play hard! Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, riding motorcycles and driving anything with a motor – Mike could not sit still for long. His love of animals was apparent in the many Dobermans he had in his life – they were his kids. Everyone always said if they died they wanted to come back as Mike’s dog in their second life because they were always so spoiled.
Mike joined the Army in 1978 and was stationed in Germany and Seattle. When he left the Army and returned home he met the love of his life, Joyce Riis. They married in 1989 and have been each other’s best friends for nearly 40 years. With Joyce at his side he enjoyed camping with friends (in their secret spots), 4-wheeling up Georgetown, snowmobiling in the Lincoln bowls, riding Harleys to Red Lodge and Sturgis, traveling to Hawaii and taking cruises. Along with their “kid” Dobermans they enjoyed life to the fullest every day!
Mike worked as a mechanic and was with his D&D RV Center family for nearly 30 years. Since Mike’s retirement last spring their “kid” Diesel has been at his side non-stop, cuddling up on the couch and playing fetch.
Mike is preceded in death by his father, Ed. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his “kid” Diesel Dog; mother, Diana; brothers Mark, Chuck (Sue), Bruce and his sister, Bonnie “Sis” Copeland (Andy); sister-in-law Janet Riis and brother-in-law Jim Riis (Mary); nephews Ryan Kibler, James Kibler, Clark Copeland and Jacob Riis and nieces Stephanie Kibler, Jenna Copeland, Tanna Avila (Armando) and Jessica Riis Hodges (Anthony). Mike is also survived by many close aunts, uncles, cousins and a long list of friends.
A celebration of Mike’s full life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service at the VFW Post 10010, 113 W. Main St, East Helena. A very special thank you to his amazing nurses and doctor at the VA in ICU: Lucas, Todd, Holly and Dr. Muhlestein. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Montana Veterans Foundation, 1112 Leslie Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Ave. Helena, MT 59602.
Jim and Sally says
Joyce we are so sad for you and our hearts are heavy. Wish we were there to offer you support but know we are there in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and in the days ahead. May he now Rest In Peace.
Donna Hulse says
Joyce, A great big hug and lots of comfort and support. Love Donna Hulse
Leslie Olsen says
Joyce you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Beck says
Joyce
our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Northwest Battery- Bob and Jane McGlynn, and Jim and Lia Beck
Mary Chronister says
Joyce Please accept my condolences.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Joyce, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless Mike……. Allen /Glenda
Joan Meyer says
Joyce,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Take care.
Joan
Clint Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing..Thinking of you all. Take Care.
Margy Kernan says
So very deeply sorry, Joyce and all of your family and friends. You are prayerfully held.
Carol Barker says
Joyce, . I will always remember the kindness that Mike showed me this past summer. It meant so very much to me. You will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Hugs!
Kathy Strobel says
Joyce, My heart is crying for you. I can only imagine the deep sorrow you are feeling now. Please try to remember only the good memories and none of the pain. He is now at peace and resting quietly in heaven. You are in my prayers.
Linda Lynch says
Joyce, you continue to be in my prayers. Be good to yourself and take the time you need to grieve. May you find comfort in God’s loving arms as you grieve Mike’s loss.
Doreen Filson says
Joyce I am so very sorry for your loss. our prayers are with you and your family,
Diane Langenfus says
Joyce, your in our prayers. Take time now to heal yourself, it’s been a long, hard road for you. God Bless you and all the family at this very hard time of loss. Our prayers for Mike’s mother also. Accept our deepest condolences.
Diane and Mike
Lissa Huntington says
Joyce-sending you love at this time. Please reach out if your girls need anything. So sorry for your loss.
Lissa Huntington says
Joyce-sending you love at this time. Please reach out if you girls need anything. So sorry for your loss.
Jeanne Ahmann says
Dear Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your husband Mike. I am holding you in love and prayer as you grieve this loss. I am here for you if you need anything. Much love and peace.
Jean Bond says
So sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Although the last few years have been especially difficult, I hope you will always remember the memories you created together and the love you shared. You have been a loving and caring wife. Prayers and a warm hug.
Valerie Curtin says
Joyce, I’m so sorry for your great loss. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care of yourself.
Chris Eby says
So sorry to hear this sad news Joyce. Sending you healing thoughts, prayers and love.
Marcia Wall says
Joyce, Janet and family ~ I have been keeping you in my heart and prayers . . . so very sorry you lost Mike. What a beautiful photo of Mike with Diesel among the Bear Grass. WOW! A picture says a thousand words! I remember sitting at a table in Maui with Mike; and all of us were laughing about life and enjoying the beautiful sunny day a couple years ago! He was blessed with your love Joyce, his extended family and friends! I’m sure he would say, “what a great life I had.” Just remember, he is nearby and only wants you to be at peace and happy on earth without him. Ask for his guidance, he will help show you the way. My love and sincere condolences to you. Marcia
Janet Andrew says
Oh Joyce. So sorry – sending hugs to you.
Don 'Deacon' Wark says
Very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing Joyce. My prayers and thoughts be with you. I worked with Mike for a spell back in the 80’s and considered him a good friend ever since. May God be with you in this time of grieving. Mike will live on in our hearts and thoughts. Peace be with you.
Shelley Parmer says
Joyce , so sorry to hear about Mike . Sending prayers and hugs
Chandra Roth says
So sorry to hear about Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy Logan says
Oh Joyce, I am so very sorry to hear this,. My heart goes out to you and the family. Sending hugs and love to you.
Andrea and Randy Lamping says
Joyce,
We are so very sorry to hear this! Send our thoughts, prayers and love to you. Please reach out if you need anything.
Stacey Baertsch says
Joyce you and Diesel are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please take care !
Kimberly Woods says
Joyce so sorry for your loss. Lots of prayers and love to you and your family.
Robert kibler says
Sending my condolences even though we never met we are still family. Ed being my uncle. May God bring peace to your family.
Christine Caye-Bugni says
Joyce, so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. You two were always together doing the things you loved. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Praying for you.
Diane Carpenter says
Dear Joyce,
So sorry to hear about Mike. I always loved hearing about the adventures you two had together. Praying that you’ll find peace k owing that he’s in a good place with God. Take care. Love, Diane
Marlyn Atkins says
Joyce,you are in my thoughts. May Mike rest in peace.
Staci Ferlicka says
Joyce, so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chance and Staci
Dorothy Bruer Thiede says
Joyce, my heart goes out to you…prayers to you and your family. Diesal will miss her Dad something awful. Thinking of you…Dorothy Bruer Thiede
Allyn Ann Cummins says
Joyce—I was so sorry to hear this. You & Mike had some wonderful adventures. My deepest condolences . Prayers for healing. Allyn Ann
Sherryl Vaughn says
Joyce, Jack and I are so sorry to hear of Mikes passing..he was a good and kind man and will be missed forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dee Decrevel says
Joyce, I am so, so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. What a treasure he was. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. Every life he touched was better for it! Sending light and love honey.
Jill Shea says
Joyce, we are sorry for your loss! May he now rest in peace. Our prayers for you to stay strong during this difficult time. Jill and Don.
Kathy Orsello says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Mike. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you, his family, and all the many friends he had. May he rest in peace and may you find peace.
Barb & Ed Messer says
You are in our thoughts. Mike will be missed by many. Love and Light your way my friend.
Vonnie Jenkins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice guy!
Lorrie Cole says
Joyce, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and healing thoughts to you, Diesel, and your families. Take good care.
Connie Petek says
Joyce, so so sorry to hear about Mike, Dennis and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Hanson says
Joyce, Just to let you know I’m thinking about you.
Annette Williams says
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You and Diesel are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carrie Schell says
Joyce, I was so very saddened to hear the news. I think about you often and will always remember Mike’s smile and his kind heart! I hope you find peace and know Mike is in such a beautiful place.
Faun says
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Diesel. Letting you know that I am thinking of you.
Chuck Spencer says
Joyce I am so sorry for your loss. I met Mike through Shan and anytime we would be at the “Turd” he would always come and talk to me. He was a great man and a great friend to Shan and many. You can be assured Shan welcomed him and if there is anything up there with a motor, they will find it. Prayers be with you and your family.
Richard Granvold says
I was a good friend of Mike’s when we were stationed together at Company A 9th Signal Division Fort Lewis Wa. in the 1970’s. We worked in the motor pool together.
We often went hiking together on weekends or worked on his Plymouth barracuda, I am sad to hear of his passing. Blessings to the family. My name is Richard Granvold.