David E. Tibbitts, 70, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. He was surrounded by his family and faithful friend, Charles Frey. David was born on January 6, 1945, in Eau Claire to Arthur F. and Dorothy A. (Nelson) Tibbitts. He graduated from Memorial High School with the Class of 1963. Following graduation, he furthered his education with a Bachelor's Degree, double majoring in Art and Economics, graduating in 1968 from the University in Eau Claire. During his college years, he had committed to Officer's Candidate School with the United States Navy. Within weeks of graduation, he reported to Pensacola Air Base in Florida for Flight School. He had already obtained his private pilot's license prior to graduation. Upon returning from the military, he was a self-employed business owner in the automotive industry. On August, 20, 1966, he married his grade school classmate and high school sweetheart, Susan J. Solie. To this union a daughter was born. The marriage later ended, however, they remained lifelong friends. In 1976, he married Bonnie J. Morse. This union dissolved after 34 years of marriage. David's daughter, Tara Tibbitts-Stinson (Gary Stinson) and his three beloved granddaughters, Julia Susan, Clara Ann and Kathleen Natalie survive him. He is further survived by a sister, Susan Colburn (Nate Green); brother, Thomas Tibbitts (Shirley); and his constant companion, Zoey, his Labradoodle; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. David had a distinct passion for flying, becoming a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1975. Oshkosh was his second home. He also had a great love for Neil Diamond, seeing him in concert may times. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2015, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2015, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue in Eau Claire. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2015, at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System for the passionate care he received all the way from the Emergency Personnel to the Staff on the Fourth Floor, Wishart Building.
Service Information
Visitation
Sunday, December 27 2015
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Visitation
Monday, December 28 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Funeral Service
Monday, December 28 2015
11:00 AM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
