Missing you, but do see you in your grandkids and great grandchildren. Living life every day in the present like you taught.

Missing you gramps today and always! ❤️ Grandpa Duane's funeral is today and I can still hear you yell DUEY! across the room. Love you

Your Nephew is a daily reminder of you with his bald head and goatee and I love it!  You were such an amazing person.....loving, kind and your family was your everything, and don't forget the impact you made on your students. We just had a facebook picture reminder this week of when we came out to California to visit you, Sally and family 5 yrs ago. A cherished memory. We are going back in April and it won't feel quite the same without you there. You are dearly missed and we love you. Eric & Kelly

It is tough to write a tribute this year as we are sitting with your sister in law, Lynn, as she slowly leaves us and soon will be joining you. We have lost too many in the month of February but perhaps that's by design. Thinking about you today as another year has passed since you were with us. Stay peaceful. Forever missed.

Dick not a day goes by that I don't think about you, miss you and wish you were here.
We had sixty-four married years together and many more before that. We may have had our differences at times but our love and strength got us through the rough spots. We had a truly great life together. I always loved you and had great respect for the man you were. Our life was good! I am happy that you got to live your dream of building a cabin in the north woods and got to live there so long.
We raised three children who are also living good productive lives and we can be proud of them and their beautiful families. All our grandchildren are just the best people!
The day will come when I will join you again.
I do look forward to our meeting. Until then I do my best to carry on as we talked about and you are Forever Missed.

Dear Sally,
I just found this when I was trying to find exactly where you guys are in California. My heart sank when I found that Dick passed away. I carry your guys picture in my wallet and always hoped we would reconnect. I'm now in Mattoon, IL. If you or any of your kids read this please reach out to me. I'm on Facebook. I have been fond of both of you, all these years and for taking me in during a difficult time. I send my love to you Sally!
Love,
Connie Gonzalez

I can't believe Dick has been gone 2 years. SALLY I hope you are doing well. My wife and I are doing well for are age, I will be 85 this 10/31. Not to many of the old class left. Only 5 showed up at the lunch this summer. God bless you.

Happy birthday, Gramps! Cocktails and sauna in celebration of you tonight ❤️

Happy Heavenly Birthday Uncle Dick! You are missed dearly. When I look at Eric, he's your twin so I think of you often.  Love, Kelly

Happy Birthday Dick!
You have been constantly with me the past few weeks. I dream about you every night and miss you every day.
At our family gathering in Nashville we talked about you all the time and on our trip to New England we felt your presence so strongly.
You certainly had an influence on all of us!
We love and miss you so much!

Well Dick a second year has passed since you left us and I think of and miss you every day. You added the spice to my life.
The family always talks about Gramps when
we get together. Even the greats know your stories. You a huge part of our family lore.
Certain days like today are especially hard.
I know you would like me to carry on with a good spirit so I keep chugging along.
Some day soon I will join you♥️

Can't believe it's already been two years. We have a big snowstorm coming and he would love all the snow we got this year! We miss and think of him every day ❤️

Dad,
I walk with you every day. Your guidance is within me and I am thankful. Here's one of your favorites:

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in this world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!
Love always
Tam

I remember Dick was born on the 13th and I was born on the reverse Oct 31.  1956 Oct. 31 we played Vinton at their field. That was the only game we won that year. I tell you we could have beat anyone that night. Every thing worked that night. I remember Mr. Lybeck came on the bus to offer congradulations. I think the score was like 35 to 6. I even scored that niight and I played center. RIP old team mate.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Dick! We can just picture you and Evy telling some Ole and Lena jokes in heaven. Sure miss those infectious laughs. You were a wonderful man and touched so many lives. We miss you dearly and think of you often. Love, Eric and Kelly

Thinking about you today as we would have celebrated you on your birthday 

Another Birthday without you Dick. I think of you with love every day Dick but especially on your birthday, our anniversary and holidays. I miss you so very much. We had many good years and of course a few stumbles along the way.
You were a very fine man and a wonderful
husband and father.
As long as I draw a breath just know that you are truly ForeverMissed!

Thinking of you today and every day Gramps. This weekend Mike & I went hiking with the girls. Full of mud and determination as they slipped down the icy trail. Your grit and grace in the face of adversity lives on in them. Miss you and love you Gramps.

It's been a year since you have passed. I wish I could tell you about the backpacking trip I just went on, I wish I could see the smile on your face as I tell you about hiking in the dark with no headlamp or holding newts. But then I remind myself that you are always there looking down. Missing you and love you lots.

We are thinking about you, especially today, knowing that you are at peace. We talk about you and think about you every day. Your legacy is huge and full of kindness and joy. Many others have left us this year, too, and we grieve for all. 

Our home is always a special place this time of year because of your extraordinary carvings you so generously gave to us. Sending you lots of love, a sauna dip, and a toddy. Sending love ❤️ Tam

Grandpa you truly embodied the magic of the holidays. From cross country skiing to making a big fire to warm us up after. Every time I see your santas on the shelf I think of you! We miss you so much!

It’s truly a Blue Christmas this year Dick.
I am missing you so much and the joy you brought to Christmas. I have the Santa’s up and do love them. They remind we of the joy you had in craving them for everyone.
Everyone has theirs proudly displayed. Rachael let Simon put theirs out and he put a candle in the middle. I will try to put the picture on your gallery.
Just know that you are in our thoughts and are still a big part of our Christmas!

Happy Birthday Dick!!! We all love and miss you so much!
We are going to help honor you at the induction to the Educators Hall of Frame in Albert Lea tomorrow night! Wish you could be there in person to receive this wonderful honor. Love you♥️

Wing tip shoes
English Leather
Hells Bells Sally
His Crooked Smile
His dreaded belt
His coaching whistle and stop watch
Cuts on his poor bald head
Stealing oranges
Kindawa
yuck a doodles
Repeating a joke over & over
X-country skiing
"that's good"
scratch golfer
Hanging at the chicken coop
Yooooo (when watching his beloved Vikes)
“If you think you can you can”
“Dad! Deer can’t get up there!”
Fishing
Christmas trees
“Slow & slower”
Blue heron
Hugs of understanding when Mandybell died
Sauna glow with a toddy
Camping
Light hearted
Ants in your pie, “it’s good”
Summer hummer (lemonade & vodka)
Boundary waters
Sketching barns
DUCT TAPE
Santas
Busting out purple flowers in a white garden
carrying your life in a backpack.
Kindness

Dad, happy birthday in heaven.
There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss your simple goodness.
Thank you for loving me.
♥️
#1

Sally Marc Margot Tammy,
Was so very sorry when I heard that Dick had passed away. He was a very special man—husband, father, grandfather, teacher, friend, and more. Roger and I first met Sally and Dick at Luther College and then were so pleased to hear that they would be in Albert Lea teaching as we were. We shared many good times there with our children being in the swimming programs and in the world of education. We also both loved being at our cabins in northern Minnesota and shared some special times together there. We always so enjoyed the annual Christmas letter which told of all the many things they had done through the year as well as how the children and grandchildren were doing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Watched the video tribute from his memorial service. It was beautiful.  I received this poem from a friend when my husband passed away that I read often as it helps me get through the day.
   “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear”.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.   Judy

Would love to hear from you. 

Dear Sally and entire Lybeck family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr.Lybecks passing. He was an amazing teacher and human being-always thoughtful, kind and energetic. My memories are not only of a wonderful 6th grade year but of our cabins in northern MN; cross country skiing and visiting your beautiful log cabin. AAU swimming with Marc as my coach and being on the swim team with Tammie as a role model. What an special imprint he left on everyone whose life he touched. I loved reading the poem “state of mind” as I believe we received a special treat or reward if we memorized it for class.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all
I am so sorry I missed the memorial as my family and I just returned from our first Alaskan adventure. Watched the video tribute. It is beautiful. 
Fondly,
Beth

I've created a video for the memorial:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UK6u1Ap3bzbA_C7rYoyvvsHFHattFdpg/view?usp=sharing
The memorial will be Saturday, August 14th, 2021 at the Lawron Presbyterian Church, 35254 Scenic Hwy, Bovey, MN 55709.Visiting will begin at 10:00 am and the service will be at 11:00. Family and friends are welcome and there will be a gathering immediately after. 

Mr. Lybeck was my favorite teacher throughout all my school years in Albert Lea, besides my dad, Vernon Jensen. He was my 6th grade teacher at Sibley. Oh the fond memories I have of this man. He loved the outdoors and shared it with our class everyday.
I remember collecting money from my class mates to buy him a hand crank ice cream maker (it couldn't be electric) for Christmas. I was so proud to give him something I knew he would enjoy.
I remember the poem, "It's All In the State of Mind", we had to memorize it and say it out loud up in the front of class. I have thought of this poem on many of occasions throughout my life and so happy you mentioned it.
I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. Lybeck, Marc, Margo & Tammy. He will be greatly missed. He was a treasure. I had not seen him for many years, but I will never forgot him and all he taught me in 6th grade.
Sending prayers, hugs and love to his family. He will not be forgotten.
Jill Jensen, class of 1982
River Falls, WI

three words: Honey Boo Boo (only pops and gram will get this one)

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Lybecks. It's so hard to lose a part of your family but hopefully you can laugh when you talk about some of the funny momements with Dick and chuckle when you think about the personality traits that made him so unique and smile when you think about the legacy he left behind.  I have so many great Lybeck memories - the camping, the outdoors, swimming, cross country skiing, Lake Kindawa, the log cabin..... thanks for putting up with me!

My grandpa lived a truly honorable and amazing life. Through tears, I've been enjoying memories of a man who changed so many lives for the better — including mine.

A man who was as strong as an ox, up for an adventure, and could kick your ass on cross country skis.
A man who thinks he can, so he does - and spreads that gospel with a generation of sixth graders (and all that knew him).
A man who once "went for it" with Grandma Sally on the Snake River in a canoe and barely escaped with their lives.
A man who taught me how to build things with sharp tools and throw an ax at a young age.
A man who said "at-cha-boona-schnika" in a deep Scandinavian voice (and we never even questioned what that meant).
A man who built a life in the Northwoods at Kindawa lake for his family and loved ones, a respite and example for the world.
A man who vehemently loved Starbucks and his dogs like the family they were.
A man who taught me to appreciate nature - and that the smallest acts can have big ripple effects.

A man who will be sorely missed. Love you, Gramps. I'll be thinking of you now and always.

Mr. Lybeck was my first teacher (as a para :) at Brookside). I was so impressed how well his classroom was handled. He was a superior teacher. And I loved his "It's all in the state of mind" and think even now "if you think you can, you can" often. I made him a wooden plaque at his retirement about his poem and hope it made it to San Diego! We winter in Palm Desert and had I known it would have been nice to connect again. My sympathy to your family. Marti Andersen

I was so saddened to read the Dick had passed away. My dearest condolences to Sally and the entire Lybeck family. I had the privilege to teach next to Dick at Brookside. He was among the most caring teachers that I had ever met. It was Dick who made sure students at Brookside had a cross-country skiing , camping, and Rendezvous experience. The experience of teaching next to him was the most memorable I had in my teaching career. He was loved by many and will be missed.

I just can't believe another classmate has left us. Oh the memories I have of this guy. The football games basketball and all the other times in school. I will remmeber Dick all my life. Sally you have had a very good Man to share your life with. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sally, Marc, Margo, Tammy and families,

I was so saddened see Dick's obituary online at the Albert Lea Tribune website. I have many great memories of the Lybecks of 6th street and Dick was the rock of your family. He was always gracious, jovial and kind to me. I always asked Gordy Skaar at Eagle Ridge about Dick and once missed him by only 20 minutes.
Your memories of this wonderful man are no doubt keeping a smile on your face in between the tears of sadness of his passing. I join you in your smiles and grief.
Gary Dunn
Andover, MN

Thanks for the memories Dick! You were my hero. Jack of all trades, master of some ( Just Kidding )! Best friend, sauna companion, golf and fishing buddy and we solved a lot of problems in the world with a cold one ( the lake or a snow bank ).We will sadly miss you and all the great times we spent together. I’ll always remember when you first told me, It’s not the arrow, It’s the Indian!

Such sad news. Condolences from the Independence Iowa HS class of 1957. Special memories of both Dick and Sally. And further memories of Mr Lybeck who asked me if my father would like to work for the school system which was very helpful to our family. Very warm memories of the Lybeck family. Harry Stimson.

Was saddened to see that you lost Dick. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy. Coach Lybeck was my football coach in Clinton, WI. At that time I was in awe of this man and his coaching style. I was the youngest and for sure the smallest of four brothers. You may not believe this but i can still remember him telling me it wasn't my small size but my heart that made the difference. He was a wonderful human being and heaven's team got better for sure. We reconnected when I took a teaching position in Albert Lea, but he was at a different building so didn't see much of each other.

Dear Lybeck's,
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. The stories paint a picture of who he was and what drove him through life. I recall the "Green Ave" stories told of me visiting with my Mom one afternoon and me, two or so, almost eating a turtle that was in a bowl on the coffee table! And after the Lybeck's moved from Green Ave across town my dog Nicky making trips across town to visit their dog!! Many Tiger Sharks swim meets that the Lybeck's were a big part of. Wishing i could swim as fast as Tammy!! We have talked of a "Green Ave " reunion for many years!! Let's make that happen!!
May your family have peace and comfort in the memories you all were a part of. ♥️
Sue (Nelson) Walters

My Dad raised us and educated others to love the outdoors and his fellow man. He and my Mom provided us a childhood full of experiences. In addition to teaching, dad painted homes, cleaned chimneys and sold
Kettle Corn to fund the good times. Future fishing and hunting won’t be the same without all of his sayings, wisdom and humor. Most could only hope for a fraction of the legacy he has left with his family, friends and former students. My daughter used to say “there goes gramps making friends again”. Love and miss you Pops ❤️

My papa was the most important man in my life, he taught me all the great lessons in life and even how to ride a bike. We shared amazing memories that I will take with me throughout my life. Some of the best times in my life were up at kindawa with my grandparents. He will be missed by thousands but will live on through my heart and that of his friends and family.

Dick has been my loving husband and best friend for 64 years.
He was a man of many interests and talents not to mention a wonderful husband and excellent father.
We shared a life of joy,values and interest. I miss him so much and know he will always be with me in spirit. 
He left me far to soon!