William Robert Wibbenhorst (91) - After a long and full life, William (Bill) Wibbenhorst passed away peacefully at his home in Madera, California, on August 13, 2020. Bill was surrounded by the great love of his life and wife of 68 years, Marilyn, and his loving children. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family of four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The silver-haired patriarch was a true man’s man, a friend to many, and a stranger to none.
Bill was born in San Bernardino, CA on May 11, 1929. He was the son of William Martin Wibbenhorst and Verna Fulton Wibbenhorst, and brother of Norman R. Wibbenhorst; who he has now joined in heaven. After graduating from Point Loma High School, Bill enlisted in the ROTC program at UCLA in 1946. Across town at USC, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Joan Martin.
After graduating from UCLA, he served in the Navy in Korea. He was a gifted athlete and enjoyed boxing in the Navy. If you ever snuck up on him, you might witness his strong right hook. He became a decorated war veteran receiving the Meritorious Service Medal while serving on the USS Maddox. While on leave, in July 1952, Bill married his love, Marilyn.
In 1954, Bill and Marilyn moved their young family to Madera, CA to work cattle on Marilyn’s family’s ranch. In addition to working cattle with his father-in-law, the two also bought and managed their own cattle ranch. Bill also taught at Madera Union High School, owned and operated his cabinet shop, and finished his life’s work as a farm appraiser.
Bill never met a stranger and loved sharing stories over a beer or the traditional “Friday at 5” cocktail. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. With his stockpile of parts and his love of books and research, he could build or repair just about anything. When in a pinch, some of his favorite accessories were duct tape and baling wire.
His love of the outdoors was exemplified in the family’s many adventures. Backpacking, free diving for abalone, scuba diving, fishing, tennis, skiing, sailing, volleyball games, and hunting at the family ranch were all favorite pastimes for Bill. One of his accomplishments was personally designing and building the family’s adobe “home on the hill”, where he lived until his last day.
Bill’s unwavering faith in God inspired him to join Marilyn as a devout Catholic and was a long-time member of the St. Joachim’s Parish.
Bill is survived by his wife Marilyn, children Lynne and her husband Rick Cosyns, William M. (Bill) Wibbenhorst and his wife Karen, Teresa (Terri) Jorgensen, Lee and husband Rich Kreps; grandchildren Terrah Wibbenhorst-Tillman, Brooke Jorgensen-Greci, Chad Jorgensen-Bambach, Katelyn and Andrew Jones, Will and Maggie Cosyns; great-grandchildren Siena and Paul Greci, Hudson and Lera Tillman, and Rylee Jones, and many nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held.
Remembrances can be made to Hinds Hospice, 1416 W. Twain Ave., Fresno, CA 93711 or St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, 401 W. 5th St., Madera, CA 93637.
