An April 23 celebration of life is set for former Crawford County Independent and Kickapoo Scout columnist John F. Gibbs, age 80, of Gays Mills, who passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem.
The LaFarge Episcope published a piece about Gibbs in its April 14, 2026 issue. According to the story:
John was born on June 14, 1945 to Ryland and Edna (Radtke) Gibbs in Madison, and lived most of his life in Wisconsin except for 20 years in California, from 1952-72.
John spent his early childhood years in Gays Mills. In 1951, the Gibbs family moved to Orange County, Calif., eventually settling in Fullerton, Calif. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo earning a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management and a masters degree in education.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend. He married Sarah J. Hitzemann on August 3, 1968.
John taught High School Agriculture at Ramona High School in Ramona, Calif.
After retiring in 2003, John began writing a weekly column in the Crawford County Inde-pendent and Kickapoo Scout, “Drift from a Driftless Place.” He continued the column until late 2025, spreading his influence beyond the confines of the Kickapoo Valley. He won numerous awards for his writing, insights, observations, and the occasional pet peeve.
John is survived by his daughter, Rachel Sol (nee Gibbs) of Ashland, Ore.; son, David Gibbs of Gays Mills; grandson, Bodhi Sol of Eugene, Ore.; siblings, Bill (Pam) Gibbs of Arena, Wis., and Martha (Jim) Catlin of Las Vegas, Nev.; and his longtime love, JoAnn Gonos of Gays Mills. His faithful dog Skip will continue to be cared for by David. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sarah Gibbs; his brother, Dan Gibbs; and brother-in-law Rusty Jones.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the community room of the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Crawford FFA or the North Crawford Community Education Foundation.
Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving John’s family; learn more at vossfh.com .
