Kenneth James Hibler

Kenneth James Hibler was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. On November 1, 2024, he rode confidently into eternity to join his wife, Audrey, who was waiting for him on her horse at the top of Pole Canyon. He passed away in Layton, Utah, after suffering a mild stroke. Despite having plenty of fight, strength, and resilience, he recognized that his time had come and succumbed to the effects of the stroke days later at the age of 91. 

Born on April 4, 1933, in Grantsville, Utah, to Harold Wayne Hibler and Agnes Chloe Worthington Hibler, he was the second of five children, with three brothers—Terrance, Jack, and Richard—and one sister, Vicki Salazar. He graduated from Grantsville High School in 1951. He later served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. 

On Valentine’s Day in 1957, he proposed to his future wife. He married Audrey Petersen on March 2, 1957, in Garland, Utah. They moved to Montana, where their two daughters were born, then returned to Utah, where their son was born, settling in Bountiful to raise their family. They added to their family with the blessing of six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Kenneth graduated from Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute as a licensed pipefitter and plumber and was a proud member of Locals 57 and 140 Plumbers and Fitters Union for 63 years. He believed a day’s pay was worth a day’s work, and his handshake and his word were his bond.

Though a pipefitter and plumber by trade, he was a cowboy and farmer at heart. Kenneth was an accomplished outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, and horseman and enjoyed these activities with his family and friends. Each outing was a chance to bond and create memories. He also possessed skills in knife sharpening, rope braiding, woodworking, and sewing leather goods. He was an avid reader and enjoyed learning new things throughout his life.

In 1995 after retirement from the pipe trades, he and Audrey started a new adventure together, moving to Donnelly, Idaho on 20 acres where they built a beautiful home and barn with their own hands. Later, returning to Utah, they settled in Tremonton. 

Kenneth is survived by his three children; Kim Cornett (Larry), Pamela Stavros (George), and Rick Hibler (Carolyn); four grandchildren, Greg, Emily, Ryan, and Kyle; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, and one sister. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years (Audrey), his parents, one brother (Terrance), and two grandchildren (Allysha and Justin.) 

A memorial service in his honor will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Rudd Funeral Home in Tremonton, 111 North 100 East, with a visitation hour before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

Interment will take place at Garland Cemetery, located at West 13600 North, Garland, Utah.