Floyd Libis, 91, Dickinson, died Thursday, April 16, 2020 surrounded by his family at home. There will be a private family Funeral Service for Floyd at Ladbury Funeral Service with Rev. Joe Natwick officiating. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military Honors will be provided the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard.
Floyd William Libis, son of Gustav and Rosina (Schick) Libis, was born on May 29, 1928, in Jackson Township, McPherson County, S.D. He grew up on a farm located 11 miles southwest of Eureka and later a farm one mile north of Eureka. Floyd attended rural school, Jackson #2, through eighth grade as he was needed to work on the farm. In 1945, he moved to Eureka where his family took residence.
While living in Eureka, Floyd met his future wife Lorene Christman. Floyd and Lorene were married on September 18, 1950, in Aberdeen, S.D. Floyd farmed on his parent’s farm, until he was inducted into the U.S. Army in March of 1951, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Bliss, Texas; and in Germany. Following his honorable discharge in March 1953, Floyd and Lorene lived in Eureka where he was employed at the Eureka Creamery until 1960. He was then employed as assistant manager of the Peavy Lumber Yard and in 1962 became manager until 1978, when he and a partner, Donald Heupel, purchased the lumberyard and named it Eureka Building Supplies.
While living in Eureka, Floyd was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council. He was also active in community and civic activities. Floyd had the distinction of being a member of the American Legion Fred Weller Post 186 for 65 years. He served as a past commander, American Legion District 14 Loan Chairman, a member of the Drill Squad and American Legion Forty et Eight. He served as the McPherson County Veteran Service Officer from 1975-1988. He was also a member of the VFW Post 5126 and the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1987, Floyd and Lorene moved to Dickinson, where Floyd was employed by Hanson Lumber and Bosch Lumber. Retiring from the lumber business, Floyd worked at FedEx and later for Sax Motors. Floyd and Lorene became members of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Floyd was an avid Twins fan, and being proud of his German heritage, loved farming and listening to old-time music. He was a quiet and gentle man and will be remembered for his strong Christian faith and for the love of his family. He especially enjoyed time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Floyd is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lorene; his five children, Lana (Ken) Hoffman, Bismarck, Karen (Edward) Martinez, Greeley, Colo., David (Deborah) Libis, Dickinson, Sherry Libis, Dickinson, and Chad Libis, Welches, Ore.; grandchildren, Ryan (Cherish) Hoffman, Darren (Stacey) Hoffman, Krista (Sean) Murray, Amanda Martinez, Edward (Nancy) Martinez, Alyssa (Eric) Stebleton, and Justin Libis; great-grandchildren, Easton and Avery Hoffman, Jacob Hoffman, Makenna and Aubree Murray, Noah and Ethan Martinez, and Kennedy and Elijah Stebleton.
Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Alma (Leonard) Lafontaine, Evelyn (Daniel) Bieber, Lillian (Keith) Millard, Irene (Reuben) Beck, and Lorene (Kenneth) Ernst; and two brothers, Clarence (Ottilia) Libis, and Gustav Jr., who died in infancy; and one granddaughter, Karey Martinez.
Memorials may be made to the Eureka American Legion Fred Weller Post 186 or St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.
