(Emmetsburg)– A former longtime state senator has passed away. Jack Kibbie died Tuesday evening in Arizona. He was 95.
Kibbie, an Emmetsburg native, began his public service in 1960 when he served in the Iowa House of Representatives until 1964. He was then elected to the Iowa Senate where he served until 1968 and again from 1988 to 2012. Kibbie was well known for his support of education and Iowa’s community colleges.
Before his time in the legislature, Kibbie served as a tank commander in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received a Bronze Star for his service to his country.
Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset Friday (March 7th). She issued a statement saying: “Kevin and I were saddened to learn of the passing of former Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie,” Gov. Reynolds said. “I first met Jack when we both sat on the IPERS Investment Board, me as Clark County Treasurer, him representing the Iowa Senate. I later had the great privilege of serving with him in the Iowa Senate. Many will remember with admiration his long and accomplished career in that body, where he served his Northwest Iowa constituents for decades and played a pivotal role in the creation of our community college system. But what will always stick with me is the kindness and grace with which he treated all his colleagues, even those of us who served in the opposite party. Jack was an outstanding public servant, a good man, and a dear friend. He will be missed.”
Funeral arrangements for Jack Kibbie are pending with the Martin Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
