He was born June 2, 1946 in Manitowoc, son of the late Jerome and Lillian (Schweigl) Hibbard. Rod attended Lincoln High School, graduating with the class of 1965. Following high school, he was drafted and joined the United States Army in 1966. While in the Army, Rod served in Vietnam (Cu Chi and Long Binh) from 1966 – 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank SPC5. On June 14, 1969 he married Nancy Staudinger at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Manitowoc. Rod was employed at Manitowoc Company for over 35 years. He was a proud member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #706 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731. Rod was a jack of all trades and a skilled handyman who could fix anything. He had an endless collection of tools and enjoyed helping friends and family with projects. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Rod also enjoyed collecting coins and antiques. Above all, he loved spending time with his friends and family.
Rod is survived by his wife of over 55 years: Nancy Hibbard; two daughters: Michelle (Chris) Urbanek and Leah (Paul) Miller; four grandchildren: Bryce Urbanek (Fiancée Lauren Weber), Brady Urbanek (significant other Kiran Sanford), AJ (Amy) Miller (with one great-grandchild on the way), and Taylor (Fiancé Hunter Decker); his brother: Dick Hibbard; brother-in-law: Bernie Staudinger; and sister-in-law: Nancy Staudinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Jerome and Lillian Hibbard; two sons: Derek and JJ Hibbard; siblings: Carole (Fred) Reseburg, Fran Hibbard, Bob (Peg) Staudinger, Roland (Donna) Hibbard, and Leroy (Bev) Hibbard; one brother-in-law: Ron Staudinger; and one sister-in-law: Connie Staudinger.
Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Richard Miller. Following the service, a service of remembrance will be conducted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles #706, and military honors will be conducted by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held until 3:30 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center (620 N. Water Street), located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rodney’s name to Old Glory Honor Flight: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8GNFX2C9KPKLY
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Hibbard family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
