By Staff
Bert's life began in Dowagiac on Nov. 24, 1924, the son of James L. and Iva (McCleary) Ibbotson.
Bert, 84, served his country proudly during World War II in the U.S. Army, receiving two bronze battle stars and a purple heart.
Bert was united in marriage to the former Marjorie Walker on Sept. 3, 1949, in Dowagiac.
He worked as a welder at Clark Equipment in Buchanan for 30 years. Bert was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Bert was an avid tinker and skilled welder.
His greatest joy was his family which includes: his children, Susan (Bill) VanTuyle of Dowagiac, Sharon (Gary) Sutton of Mill Creek, Wash., and Roger (Debra) Ibbotson of Niles; grandchildren, Christine Myers, John VanTuyle, Laura (Dan) Paulsen and Tana Gant; great-grandchildren, Jessica Myers, Jack Paulsen and Aiden Gant; sisters, Jeanette Ferrier of Allegan, Betty Benjamin of Niles, Madge Huntly of Mississippi, Pearl Ferrier of White Cloud, Hannah Abiney of Sister Lakes, Marian Glaser of Dowagiac and Barbara Watson of Vinegrove, Ky.; and brothers, Floyd Ibbotson of California, James Ibbotson of Decatur and Thomas Ibbotson of Dowagiac.
Bert passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, at St. Joseph Care Center in South Bend, Ind.
He is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie in 1999, and his sister, Harriet Deitz.
His family will receive friends on Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, where his tribute service will be held at 2 p.m.
Bert will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with military honors following the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans.
Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Bert at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.