Obituary of John David Hibbard

 

John David Hibbard died on March 1, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, MN with his family by his side.  Known for his intelligence, quick wit and knowledge of all things, he was a brilliant attorney who navigated the law making sure fair and just decisions were being made, all while keeping his sense of humor.  His trademark antique wire rimmed glasses, bowties, and suspenders made him stand out in every group.

 

Quoting Mark Twain, John would say, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” What follows is entirely covered by this disclaimer. 

 

John was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on August 23, 1942 to Allie Katherine Johnson-Hibbard and Darrell Osmer Hibbard, II.  John graduated as Class President in the first class to finish at the newest Memorial High School Building.   He was a foreign Exchange student (AFS), taking a train to Seattle and a ship to Japan to live with the Mikuni Family. 

 

He followed in his father’s footsteps to Ripon College and then the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor. During his time at Ripon, all students joined ROTC, so John enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. The only war stories he told were of the miraculous skills of his friend and clerk, David Drucker, who, as the story goes, managed to produce gefilte fish (not a common Vietnamese delicacy) to swap for much needed legal forms.

 

John married Carlin Stearns and they had two children, Calder and Alix.  He often told stories about putting the kids to bed playing “Irene Goodnight” on his harmonica, taking ski trips, living in France for a month, making corn pancakes at the cottage, and trying to convince them to eat his creative vegetarian meals.  He was so very proud of their advanced degrees and many accomplishments.

  

He returned to Eau Claire to practice law with his father.  John was a brilliant lawyer who enjoyed practicing law and provided many hours of free legal advice and representation. He was an avid supporter of the ACLU and the reading of banned books.  His clients were often loyal for the 60 years he practiced.  He loved taking on suits to challenge abuse of power and often joked that lawsuits against the City put his kids through college.

 

The Hibbard family was an integral part of Eau Claire history, from the home his grandfather built on State St when it was still a gravel road, his Uncle Richard Hibbard who was an acting President and interim Chancellor of UWEC (Hibbard Hall), and John himself, who was one of the founding members of the local Unitarian Church, and member and chair of many civic Boards and Commissions.

 

Thirty-one years ago, John met Terri Stanley while visiting a good friend, jazz violinist Randy Sabien.  Terri was dropping off children to go search for orphaned bear cubs.  Shortly began a love story that brought into his life her children, Great Danes, wildlife rehabilitation, increased civic involvement, a host of new causes to defend and support, travel, and gourmet cooking. 

 

John is survived by his wife Terri Stanley, sister Jane Williams (Eliot), son Calder Hibbard, daughter Alix Herzing (Mike), stepsons Braxton Stanley (Danielle), David Stanley, stepdaughter Erika Goetz, and extremely bright and talented grandchildren Reyna Hibbard, Lauren Hibbard, Jude Herzing, Julia Herzing, Tate Herzing, Blake Kostner, Cami Stanley, Calib Stanley, and Lila Stanley.

 

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Veterans Against the War or the ACLU.