Final Salute

Richard W. Dibble, 101, passed away peacefully at his home in Hagar Township on April 1, 2024, under the loving care of his daughter, family and special caregivers.

Dick was born on Jan. 4, 1923, in Columbia Township, Van Buren County, Mich., to William A. and Sylvia (Berry) Dibble.

The second of six boys, he attended one-room school houses in Bangor and Covert townships. Dick graduated from South Haven High School and enjoyed playing second base on the high school baseball team.

Upon graduating from Argubright Business College in Battle Creek, Mich., he served his country during World War II from 1943-46 as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees. With the rank of Yeoman 1st Class, he was stationed primarily at Subic Bay, Philippine Islands.

After his honorable discharge, Dick worked in structural steel and after an injury on the job, he decided to go into business on his own. In 1952, he opened Dibble Concrete Products and continued to work until the age of 99. We believe his dedication, work ethic, and all around positive attitude toward life enabled him to overcome many life challenges. When asked, he would say his work was his hobby.

Dick married Alice M. (Shirtz) Molter in 1950 and she became his partner in business and life for 43 years before her passing in 1993.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Sylvia (Terry) Etter, daughter-in-law, Marion Dibble, stepson, William (Martha) Molter; six grandchildren: Tracy Cooklin, Deirdre (Skip) Miller, Eric and Leif (Toni) Etter, Nathan Blyveis, and Emily (Erika) Bohlin; three step-granddaughters: Pam Wendzel, Kathy (Scott) MacMillan, and Diane (Randy) Bailey; nine great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers: Kenneth (Rita) and Mort Dibble, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Dick was preceded in death by four children: Thomas M., Gwen Kay, Gary R., and Teresa M., one grandchild, Lance; three brothers: Neil, Jack and Norman; three sisters-in-law: Lee Ann, Annetta and Ruthie; and two nephews: Bruce M. and Steve Dibble.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at St. John Catholic Church, 580 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor. Burial of ashes with Military Honors will be accorded in North Shore Memory Gardens immediately following the mass.

Donations in memory of Dick may be made to North Berrien Senior Center in Coloma, SS John and Bernard Parish, Caring Circle Hospice of Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph, or a charity of your choice.

Dick loved his family, his work, and the Detroit Tigers and Pistons. We will forever miss his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and his quiet, silly sense of humor. He, loved by all, was our Energizer Bunny and Hero.

Appreciation is given to his VA Home Based Primary Care Team, Corewell Lakeland Home Care, and Caring Circle Hospice of Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph, as well as the numerous aides that helped him along his journey. As he would always tell them, “Thanks a million.”

Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.