In Loving Memory of Bernard “Bernie” George Tibbetts
December 16, 1943 – August 11, 2026
Bernard “Bernie” George Tibbetts, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026 at the age of 82. Born on December 16, 1943, at 104 5th Street in Aurora, Bernie lived a life rooted in service, hard work, and deep love for his family. He was very fond of his hometown and lived nearly every year of his life there.
He proudly served in the United States Army from April 1961 to April 1964. During his time in the military, he worked as a medic and later specialized in medical equipment repair while stationed in Augsburg, Germany. His service also brought him to Fort Knox (KY), Fort Sam Houston (TX), Fort Hood (TX), and St. Louis (MO). Bernie’s dedication to his country remained a source of pride throughout his life.
After returning home, Bernie began his career with Public Service of Indiana in September 1968. His dedication and work ethic carried him through the company’s transition to PSI Energy and later Duke Energy, where he worked until his retirement in December 2008. In December 1993, he suffered a serious work-related injury, a challenge he met with strength and perseverance for the rest of his life.
Bernie was also a proud, longtime member of the Aurora Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he valued the camaraderie and lifelong friendships he built over the years. He was an auxiliary past president and a member for over 52 years.
Bernie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was married to Violet “Candy” Woliung from December 1974 until her passing in March 2017.
He is survived by his loving children: Deborah Gutapfel (Dave), Sandra Kaiser, Ricky Kinnett (Davette), and Darin Tibbetts (Michelle); and by his beloved grandchildren: Jonathon Kaiser (Alaina), Ashlee Eckerle (Andy), Spencer Gutapfel (Haley), Kelsey Thompson (Will), Whitney Hollifield (Michael), Tyler Gutapfel (Alyssa), and Brielle Tibbetts. He was also blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren who brought him joy and laughter. He was especially proud of his Christmas tradition of gifting a silver dollar to each of his great-grandchildren.
Bernie will be remembered for his quiet humor, strong values, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His life was a steady example of loyalty, strength, kindness, and integrity.
No services have been scheduled per Bernie’s wishes.