Donald Sibal

Donald was born March 2, 1929, in Albion, Michigan. He was the fifth of five children born to Frank and Verna (Pastor) Sibal, who had immigrated to the United States from Austria as young teenagers and later married in Chicago. On June 9, 1951, he married Bernice Zerfas at St. John’s Catholic Church in Albion, Michigan, officiated by her brother, Father Herman Zerfas. His wife Bernice preceded him in death on January 29, 2021.

He is survived by seven children: Jane Schneider of Goshen; Stephen (Teri) Sibal of Troy, MI.; Philip (Marianne) Sibal of Elysburg, Pa.; Paul (Terri) Sibal of The Woodlands, Texas; Thomas (Stephanie) Sibal of Goshen, IN.; and twins Carol (Jonathan) Chase of Pinehurst, N.C., and Kathleen (Dr. Mike) Myers of Fort Wayne IN. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Anna Carroll; and brothers Frank, George, and Robert Sibal.

Don was a 1947 graduate of Washington Gardner High School, Albion, Mich. Following graduation from Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a Certified Aircraft and Engine Mechanic, he returned to Albion and joined the Michigan National Guard. He led the maintenance of the air section of the 943rd Field Artillery Battalion out of Jackson, MI., while also working as a civilian employee of the Michigan National Guard in Marshall and Grand Ledge. Living in Marshall, he also worked during these years as a mechanic on personal and business aircraft.

In 1957 he entered the folding carton industry with the Crowell Carton, which later became St. Regis Paper Company in Marshall, Mich. He stayed in that field, lastly, employed by Weyerhaeuser Company in Middlebury, which closed in 1975. He then owned and operated several businesses before retiring in 1991 after ten years as production controller for T & M Rubber Company.

Since moving to Goshen in 1969 from Austin, Minn., he has been a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, where he was an usher for many years and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a Red Coat volunteer at Goshen General Hospital for over 25 years, volunteered at The Window, and served for many years as a regular volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, from 5–8 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Goshen, with Rev. Father Brian Florin officiating. Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund and Goshen Home Care and Hospice.