Obituary: John Sibik

John R. Sibik, 81, of Cloquet passed away surrounded by his family on June 29, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. He was born June 13, 1943, in Duluth, the son of Louis and Dorothy (Looby) Sibik.

John graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1961. He was united in marriage to Cheryl J. Smith on July 25, 1964, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Duluth.

John worked as an optometrist for many years and at many locations. He served in the 148th Air National Guard for 23 years and also worked at the Enron gas plant in Wrenshall.

John loved woodworking and was a school bus aide for special ed children, which he loved. He also served as a Carlton County restorative justice for several years helping children and families find a better path.

John and Cheryl loved camping and were campground hosts for numerous years at Big Sandy Lake in McGregor.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Dorothy Sibik; his in-laws, Walter and Elsie Smith; twin brother, Gerald Sibik; and sisters-in-law, sisters-in-law, Elsianne Townsend, Judy Sibik, and Mary Smith. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; son, John (Lana) Sibik; daughters, Melanie (Mark) Morris and Leah (Brian) St. Germain; brothers Louis Sibik and James Sibik; grandchildren, August, Devin, Jenna, Ethan, Andrew and Logan; and numerous nieces and nephews. His jokes, laughter, fireworks, treats and amazing smile, kindness, giving nature and personality will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation: 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service Saturday, July 6 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. An inurnment service will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Carlton with military honors presented by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard.

Pine Knot News, July 5, 2024