In loving memory of

Steven Delano Gibbs
December 5, 1960 - July 20, 2012

Steven Delano Gibbs, age 51, of Forest Lake passed away on July 20, 2012. He is preceded in death by his father, Delano Gibbs and his sister, Sandy Surface.

Steven is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary; children Josh (Angie) of Westport, S.D., Stephen (Sara Benik) of Rush City, and Melissa (James) Braun of Forest Lake; his grandchildren Austin, Halie, Braydon and Jaden; mother Florence Gibbs of Grand Rapids; siblings Cindy (Stephen) Hughes, Lori (Scott) Benke, Robert (Gail) Gibbs and brother-in-law Jim Surface; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2 PM, Wednesday, July 25 at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake with visitation beginning at 1 PM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

Tributes

Chris Hellmann Schultz wrote on Jul 25, 2012:

"Mary, I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Those memories mean even more now. When you are in Deer River next time give some of us a call, lets visit. Take care!! "

Brent Lynch wrote on Jul 24, 2012:

"Fun. Good food. Lessons of life. A wonderful attitude. Movies I had never heard of before. Books. A genre of music that would become my own. A smile. That thumb. You are one of the reasons I am who I am. Take care BIg Guy."

Nancy (Reed) Goering wrote on Jul 24, 2012:

"Steve had a wonderful way of telling jokes...most of them causing me to sit there staring at him trying to figure out what the heck he just said and what did he mean! I have never forgotten about the one he said to me at Grandma Reeds Christmas gathering...He said "You think you're a hotdog, don't ya?! Well you are not, you are just a cold wiener!" So, I sat there, staring at him, wondering and thinking "are you SERIOUS, my uncle just called me a wiener??" to which he replied by giving me a big bear hug and telling me that I was a "hotdog" and he loved me :) Aunt Mary, Josh, Stephen and Missy...I love you and have you in my prayers. Uncle Steve, rest in peace...you are loved and you are missed. "

Noel Peck (Pelly) wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"Most of my memories with Steve were when I was little and knew him as, "Uncle Chopper." I remember how funny he was and how when he and my dad got together, it was a riot. In my memories he was always this strong man who liked to make me laugh. My mom, Sandy, loved to tell stories about growing up with Steve. I remember hearing about "whirley-birds", "gripster-steely-nubbins," and about mom pulling him out of a fight by his ear when they were in high school. He has been and always will be a man very loved by us all. To Mary, my cousins, and their families, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all. Rest in peace, Uncle Chopper. You will be missed."

Ben Passeri wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"Had many fun times with Steve; enjoyed being a lineman with him on the high school football team. Steve was a great football player and friend back in the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and family."

Sheila Mattila Jerry wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"Many memories of our parents getting together for card games & all of the ones from school. Prayers to Mary & your family. You'll be greatly missed."

Josh Gibbs wrote on Jul 22, 2012:

"I remember the times we spent fishing and hunting together, passions we both share. I still remember the lessons and techniques you taught me. I love you dad and will always remember the good times we had. "

James Braun wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"The frist night I met my wonderful wife it was Dad who got us to have our frist kiss. He changed our lives which has been blessed with wonderful memories that filled our lives. Dad let me into there lives and showed me nothing but love. I will miss you forever and try to always make you proud of us as you always said you were. I love you Dad."

Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"Even though my heart is breaking because you are gone, you will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved you! You are and always will be my love. Rest in peace in your new healthy body as you walk through the forests and meadows."

Stephen wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"Dad was a big-hearted, loving man. He told great stories at family get-togethers, and had an amazing sense of humor! He loved the outdoors, and always spent time with the family watching movies and playing games together. He was the kind of guy you just loved to hug and talk to! He will be in my heart, and in my mind, everyday for the rest of my life. I miss you dad! I'm glad the pain is over. Thumbs up!! Love, Bud"