Harry Frank Nibert Jr., 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, after a very courageous struggle with a brief illness.

Mr. Nibert was born Oct. 5, 1926, in Mercers Bottom, W.Va.

Harry fought hard believing he could survive this illness until the very end, but eventually passed gracefully and peacefully.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War as well, sustaining a severe injury. Mr. Nibert was a longtime employee of Ford Motor Company, and a loyal UAW member. After retirement, he especially enjoyed traveling across the U.S. in his motor home, having visited every state in the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii; he was accompanied by his wife and pet, Jabber, and often other family members. He will be remembered by family and friends as a great storyteller, a kind prankster, and an especially great cook.

A beloved and sweet husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cherished friend, Mr. Nibert is survived by his wife, Leona; sisters, Mary Sims and Dorothy Langdon; brother, Thomas Nibert; daughter, M. Kathryn (Joseph H. McCulloch, Ph.D.) Nibert, M.D.; daughter-in-law, Denise Nibert; grandson, Michael (Stephanie) McCulloch; granddaughters, Sarah (Kris Erickson) McCulloch and Mary Caitlin (Aaron Amundson) McCulloch; great-grandchildren, Oskar Erickson, Ingrid Erickson, Zeke McCullough and yet-to-be-named great-granddaughter McCulloch; many nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Harry Nibert Sr.; brothers, Albert and Fred; sisters, Florence, Mildred and Evelyn; and sons, John and Michael Nibert, with whom he now is rejoined.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a future date, in his home state of West Virginia.

A special thanks to Tidewell Hospice for their kind and gentle care.

Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte, Fla.