Stephen Hibler

Stephen J. Hibler, 84, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on January 17, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Steve was the beloved son of Homer Hibler and Louise Baermann.

In August of 1967, Steve married his soul mate and lifelong partner, Norma Jean Pieper. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family.

Steve’s academic journey led him to earn degrees from both Indiana University and Purdue University, and later a Master’s in Wildlife Biology from Utah State University—a fitting pursuit for someone who found deep joy and meaning in the natural world.

An accomplished athlete, Steve’s first love was track and field. He was inducted into the Concordia High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1959, and also honored in the Indianapolis Hall of Fame. One of his most legendary moments came in high school when, borrowing someone else’s shoes, he ran a record-breaking 4:16 mile—a feat symbolic of his life philosophy: make do with what you have, rise to the occasion, and give it your all. That motto carried him through every challenge and triumph.

Steve was an outdoor enthusiast to his core. He embraced nature with awe and reverence, spending countless hours hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid marathon runner, cross-country skier, and snowmobiler. When indoors, he found solace in playing the piano, soaking in classical music, or cheering on his favorite basketball teams.

At his very heart, Steve was a teacher—not just in profession, but in spirit. His patience, gentleness, and genuine interest in others made him a guiding light to his family and friends. Through the outdoors and quiet moments, he taught us resilience, gratitude, and how to savor life’s simple pleasures: evening porch chats, backyard campfires, and a good game of cards.

He was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, and a deeply cherished grandfather. Steve found immense joy in watching his grandchildren, Sully and Addie, grow and explore the world. He shared the wonder of life with them, and reveled in its magic through their eyes. His teachings live on in his daughter Rachel, her husband Michael—whom Steve guided through the same outdoor passions—and in every person fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Norma J. Hibler; daughter, Rachel Ambre; son-in-law, Michael Ambre; and his two treasured grandchildren, Sully and Addie. He was preceded in death by his father Homer Hibler, his mother Louise Hibler, his brother Warren Hibler, and sister Mildred Covault.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held with family at one of his most beloved places—Lake Pleasant, IN.

We will miss you, Steve. We’ll miss your wisdom, your laughter, and your gentle strength. Forever in our hearts—Husband. Dad. Papa. Friend.