John Daniel O’Bryan Wibbels

John Daniel O’Bryan Wibbels — storyteller, teacher, handweaver, devoted husband, and loving father — died peacefully on October 15, 2025, surrounded by family and love. He was 81.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 29, 1944, John was the son of Flora Margaret Porter Wibbels of Gravel Switch, KY, and John Leo O’Bryan of Larue County, KY, and the stepson of Harold E. Wibbels of Louisville. Raised in Southern Indiana, alongside his brothers Ron (Floyd Knobs, IN) and Jack (Charlestown, IN), John grew up with a love of the countryside and the appreciation of simple pleasures.

For 58 years, John shared his life and adventures with his wife, Diane Krekel Wibbels. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, humor, and compassion. Whether they were taking extended evening rides along the river or planning their next weaving project, Diane was the center of John’s world, the anchor of decades of love, friendship, and shared joy.

John earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ed.S. degrees from Indiana University and spent 34 years as a teacher in the Greater Clark County School system. Endlessly patient but also mischievous, he was a natural educator, teaching his kids in creative, atypical ways, and always helping each student cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Outside the classroom, John lived a life full of curiosity and craft. He was an avid handweaver, often found at the loom creating intricate textiles or selling their wares at arts fairs across the Midwest. He loved photography, Tai chi, fishing, and was a proud member of St. Augustine and St. Anthony Catholic congregations and the Fraternal Order of Elks. He was an exhibiting member of Indiana Artisan and the Kentucky Guild of Artisan and Craftsmen.

Later in life, John connected with his biological father and built a close bond with him and his wife Musa Belle. Above all, he was proudest of his children, Heather Wibbels (Brooks White) and Andy Wibbels (Ron Zamora). He delighted in sharing their accomplishments with anyone who asked (and often those who hadn’t)

He will be remembered for his laugh, his love of teasing just enough to get a rise, and his endless trove of tales that grew bigger and better with each retelling. He was proof that a full life is built not on titles or accolades, but on relationships, laughter, and the small daily joys shared with the people you love.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Margaret Wibbels, stepfather, Harold E. Wibbels, father, John Leo O'Bryan, and his daughter, Mary Krekel Wibbels.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20th, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, 11 a.m., at St, Anthony Padua Catholic Church, 316 N. Sherwood Ave., Clarksville, Indiana 47129.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a meaningful donation to a cancer nonprofit of your choice in his memory.