Robroy M. "Rob" Tibbetts

Robroy M. “Rob” Tibbetts, 71, of Rib Lake, died Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Rib Lake Health Services while under the care of North Shore Hospice.  He had been a resident of the nursing home for the past 14 years, where he made many friends. The staff and fellow residents there became his second family.

He was born March 14, 1954 in Milwaukee to Marlyn “Chas” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Clavadetcher) Tibbetts.  He grew up in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School.

Shortly after high school, he moved from Franklin to Taylor County where he primarily lived in the Chelsea area. During that time, he met Diane (Miller) Stone, they married in 1979. He took on the role of dad to one of her set of twins (Tim & Tanya), soon after he adopted the twins. He also assumed the role of step-dad to her other set of twins (Terry & Tammy). He and Diane later divorced.

He worked at Hurd Window Manufacturing; during his time there he was promoted to foreman and retired early due to his MS diagnosis.

Rob loved and doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren he greatly enjoyed their visits.  He also enjoyed working with his hands and building furniture and just about anything you could dream of. Working side by side, he and his father had built Rob's family home where many incredible memories were made. Rob enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and always had a love for animals, especially dogs and was never without a canine companion.  He also enjoyed playing cribbage and was known for his sense of humor. Whenever someone asked how he was doing, he’d reply with his signature phrase, “Still suckin’ air.”

He will be missed by his four children, Terry (Sandra) Miller of Waupun, Tammy (Michael) Downing of Rib Lake, Tim (KT) Tibbetts of Madison, Tanya (Tibbetts) Rezutek of Rib Lake; a sister, Jan (Tom) Reiley and family of Franklin; grandchildren, Trey Miller of Eau Claire, Austin Miller of Texas, Brandon (Sam) Miller of Rib Lake, Joshua Downing of Rib Lake, Aliyah and Mason Tibbetts, both of Eau Claire, Colton Tibbetts, Trent Huther and Abby Rezutek, all of Rib Lake; six great-grandchildren, Eric and Elizah, Austin Jr., Zeke, Calyn and Harold.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many canine companions.

A Celebration of Rob’s life will be held at a later date.

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