Obituary of Charles Melvin Gibbel

Charles Melvin Gibbel (73) passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Maranatha Care Center, Brooklyn Center, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He had lived most of his life in Bigfork, MN. He was born on January 28,1950 in Fayetteville NC the son of Dr. Melvin Gibbel and Lois Gibbel. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs, went to College at St Olaf in Northfield MN, then received his degree in Physical Therapy at Northwestern University in Evanston IL He practiced PT in IL and MN, but mostly in the busy hospital of Bigfork MN, where he worked for 31 years before retiring in 2014. It seems that everyone in Bigfork respected Chuck as a skilled PT and as a kind, caring person.

The most important event in Chuck’s life was when he heard the good news that Jesus Christ loved him and suffered and died for his sins. He enjoyed talking about his Savior with other people. Since being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia he found great comfort in knowing that Jesus has prepared a place in heaven and that he could be with Him forever. One of Chuck’s ways of saying good bye was “Better days are ahead!”

Chuck also loved his son Sam and enjoyed bringing him up to his house in Bigfork, as well as going camping in National Forest campgrounds in the Ely MN area. They had a lot of fun together.

Chuck enjoyed going on canoe trips with friends and he went up into the BWCA/Quetico Provincial Park 2-3 times a year for 40 years. He loved introducing people to canoe camping and fishing.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin, and Lois Gibbel. He is survived by his son Samuel, former wife Kathy Roman and her children Abby and Graham, his brothers Greg (Terri) and John (Kelly) Gibbel, nieces and nephews, Joshua, Danny, Steven, Shannon, Scott and Lindsay and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Bible Church on Monday, July 31st at 1:00 located at 16205 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN 55345 with refreshments served after the service. The service will be live streamed (HERE)

Memorials preferred to The Special Olympics as they were such a blessing to his son Sam.