Dale Vern Hibner

Dale Hibner, born on March 16, 1948, in Grand Haven, MI, to Vern & Hazel Hibner. Raised surrounded by joy & love in Alpena, MI, Dale began his journey alongside his brothers, Tim, Bob, and Andy, childhood friends, teachers, mentors, and too many extended family members to name. Dale graduated from Alpena High School in 1966.

In 1969, Dale enlisted into the USAF, and served with honor, surrounded by heroes, until his retirement in 1989. During that time, he met his wife, Zilpha Burns of Mountain Grove, Missouri. Graduated from the University of Missouri in Electrical Engineering. Had two children, Christopher, born in 1975, and Jessica, born in 1982. Dale was stationed in Japan, Germany, Oklahoma, Texas, and Ohio, along with TDY assignments that took him to 9 different countries and 42 different states. Earned a Master's Degree while at AFIT before taking a teaching position at the same school. After retirement in 1989, Dale spent some time in private sector in consulting positions in Norman, OK, Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX. However, from 1990-1996, Dale enjoyed his favorite job as a tenured professor at the CICS program at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Dale and Zilpha retired to San Antonio, TX, in 2003. After Zilpha's passing in 2007, Dale bought his dream home in Hartland, MI. Being a snow owl until the home was finished in 2024.

Survived by his brother Andrew, Pontiac, MI. His children are Christopher, Hartland, MI; Jessica, Baltimore, MD. Sisters in law, Judy, Mary, and Maggie. Nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, too numerous to mention. Students, friends, and the strangers he impacted along the way of a remarkable life. 77 years young.