Herbert Libby

Herbert Lester Libby, age 91, left this life and went to be with our Lord on Sunday, May 13, 2018. One of Herb's great joys in life was taking long rides exploring the backroads through small rural communities. This final journey into Heaven will be his most glorious ride. Herb was born on January 9, 1927 in Springfield MA, where he was raised. In 1945, on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in San Diego, CA and Key West, FL. Upon his discharge, Herb attended Springfield College, and the University of Connecticut in Storrs to become a physical therapist. In 1957, Herb began his professional career when he accepted a position at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Ml. He left Butterworth in 1968 to build a successful private physical therapy practice: Dykstra, Libby, Anthrop and Compton. When he retired in 1989, he immediately put his hands to work helping to build a new sanctuary at Christ Lutheran Church in Wyoming, Ml. Golfing was one of his favorite endeavors and he often played several times a week. Preceding Herb in death are his parents, Lester and Bertha (Reed) Libby; his two brothers, Merton and Lincoln Libby; and two sisters, Virginia Rathnum and Mary Libby. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Vivian (Brin) Libby; their three children, Sheryll (Greg) VanPortfleet of Saugatuck, Glen (Carolyn) Libby of Mattawan, and Wayne Libby of Mattawan; three grandchildren, Jacob Libby of Kalamazoo, Amy (Joseph) Schram of Grandville, and Matt (Stacey) VanPortfleet of Zeeland; three great-grandchildren, Meeka, Kolby, and Talin VanPortfleet of Zeeland; and Herb’s sister, Shirley Hovland of Connecticut. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 2350 44th St. SW, Wyoming, with Pastor Darryl Larson officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Christ Lutheran Church - Columbarium Fund which will provide an on-site repository for cremated remains.

Leave Your Tribute Message

May 22, 2018

May the Lord bless you all and know that Herb is with the Lord in the most peaceful and beautiful place.

- Suzanne Adams

May 20, 2018

Sending our love and most sincere condolences to Vivian and all of our Michigan area family. Gary Grindle & Family (Shirley, Roseanne, Samantha, Jennifer, Cassandra and Natalee).

- The Grindle Family

May 15, 2018

Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult moment. May the God of all comfort give you strength to endure the pain you are going through. “The day is near when all who have fallen asleep will be awaken”-John 5:28,29

- Patrisia Magallon