Michael Charles Wibel

Michael Charles Wibel (1938 - 2024) Michael Charles Wibel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Oregon City, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones on May 30, 2024, at the age of 85, following a prolonged battle with dementia. Born on December 27, 1938, in Bell, California, to Walter John Wibel and Jeannette Wibel (Ball). Mike lived a life marked by integrity, hard work, humor, and service to his church, community and others. From a young age he had a big interest in cars. He was a member of the original Satan’s Chauffeurs Car Club of Southern California and served as President in 1955. His red Renault was named, “Swollen Lady Bug.” The club purchased a used engine from dragster Mickey Thompson for their drag car, “Leaping Lincoln.” They raced all over southern California, including the Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach. He graduated from Lynwood High School in Lynwood, CA in 1956. Many of those in the car club remained lifelong friends. Before his military service, Mike honed his skills as a foreign car mechanic in Hollywood, CA including working on the car of renowned actor Vincent Price. Additionally, Mike worked as Service Manager for Renault in Torrance, CA and an ambulance driver for Schaefer's Ambulance Service in Orange County, CA and Bowers Ambulance in Long Beach, CA. In 1960, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1964. He was stationed at Lackland AFB in Texas, Gunter AFB in Alabama, Incirlik AFB in Turkey and at Blytheville AFB in Arkansas. His final assignment was as a Dental Specialist in the medical group. Following his time in the military, he embarked on a career in the auto parts industry in sales, where he managed stores for Beck/Arnley in Southern California. In 1965 at the SCOT (Single Catholics Over Twenty-Three) Club in Long Beach, CA he met Patricia Quinton. He proposed to her on her birthday and four months later they married on August 27, 1966 at St Lucy Church in Long Beach. They had three children, Jennifer, Michael P. and Julie. In 1975, Mike made the bold decision to move his young family from Lynwood, CA, to Bend, OR, where he opened and owned Mike's Foreign Car Parts, later expanding the business to Mike's Complete Auto Parts. The recession in the 1980s was a challenge that could not be overcome and the store closed in 1989. After the closure of his store, he continued to work in the car parts industry, adapting to new roles. He also dedicated his time to serving as an agent for Waddell & Reed and later became a training instructor, sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. In the final chapter of his career, he worked as the Department Secretary at the Surgery Center for St. Charles Hospital in Bend. In 2010, after retiring, he and his wife, Pat, moved to Oregon City, OR to be closer to their grandchildren. A man of service, Mike was involved in various church and community organizations. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bend, Oregon, from 1975 to 2010 and was an active member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church from 2010 until his health no longer allowed him to participate. He was social and enjoyed assisting with parish events such as the monthly Knights of Columbus parish breakfasts, Oktoberfest, and St. Patrick's Day parties to name a few. He also served as an Eucharistic Minister not only at church, but also to those sick in their homes and in nursing homes. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 2251 and a Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus with dedicated service for 47 years. He was also involved in the Right to Life organization. He volunteered as a course marshal for the Bend Cascade Cycling Classic in the 1980s, the longest-running elite road bicycle racing stage race in the United States. He was a member of the High Desert Amateur Radio Group in Bend and a member of the Deschutes County Search and Rescue communications team, utilizing his skills to assist in search and rescue missions, further demonstrating his commitment to helping others in times of need. He also volunteered as a member of the disaster communications team for Providence Health & Services in Portland, Oregon to assist in emergency preparedness. Throughout his life, Mike was known for his storytelling, humor, genuine kindness and welcoming spirit. He had a knack for weaving humor into his stories and was blessed with the gift of gab and made friends easily. He was deeply devoted to his family, and his love and support were unwavering. His pride and joy was his family…his children and grandchildren…and his 1965 poppy red Mustang. Through the years he made it a priority to attend the events of his children and grandchildren, including: sporting events, plays, recitals, art shows, graduations and other special events. He was often the one to initiate the planning of family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. His Mustang and ham radio were among his many hobbies. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Wibel (Quinton), of nearly 58 years, his children Jennifer Bosze, Michael P. Wibel, and Julie Erhardt, his grandchildren Matthew Erhardt, Abigail Bosze, Isabelle Bosze, Gabriel Erhardt, and Nathan Erhardt, his brother Dennis Wibel (Tammy), and a host of other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Patrick Wibel. Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City on Wednesday, June 19. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Committal service will take place at Willamette National Cemetery on June 25. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Oregon and SW Washington in Mike’s name, continuing his legacy of kindness and service. Donate Link: https://www.alz.org/orswwa?form=FUNSETYDEFK Rest in peace, Mike. Your life was a testament to integrity, hard work, humor, kindness and giving selflessly of your time for the benefit of others. You brought light and laughter wherever you went and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.

Michael Charles Wibel

December 27, 1938 - May 30, 2024