Hibler garden benefits hospice

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If you have lived in the area very long, chances are you might have come in contact with the Hiblers, possibly without even knowing it.

Ron and Jan Hibler have been residents of the Minooka-Morris area for the last 30 years. They both are very active in many aspects of the community.

After putting in his time as a union carpenter, Ron decided to retire while his wife has continued to work.

Since retiring from Ameritech, Jan has devoted much of her time to Hospice. She also currently works at Ruby Begonia’s in downtown Morris.

Though Ron was always an avid gardener, after retirement he truly dedicated himself to his passion for gardening fruits and vegetables. He and his wife have a beautiful orchard which they planted together shortly after moving to their current home in Minooka. They also have a large and very productive garden.

For many years, Ron and Jan have harvested the bounty their garden has provided for them. This summer was no exception.

What was exceptional was just how much it produced. They canned and froze as much as they could use. The rest they gave away to family, friends and even the nuns at the nunnery in Plainfield.

After giving away as much as everyone would take, they still had a substantial amount of produce left. In an effort to help solve the problem, his wife suggested he sell his produce at the 3 Hens French Market along the I&M Canal on Illinois Street in Morris.

At first, Ron was upset by the idea of selling food that he would normally give away. Then an inspiration hit him. He would sell the produce for a reasonable price and then donate all the money to Hospice.

Unsure of how it would all turn out, he loaded up the back of his beloved International truck and headed into downtown Morris.

Ron was thrilled with how much he was able to sell, and he thoroughly enjoyed talking with all his customers. In fact, he enjoyed it so much, the following month he decided to sell again, and yet again for the final time in October.

In all, the Hiblers were able to collect nearly $1,000 dollars to benefit the Grundy County Hospice.

This gesture speaks volumes to the character of both Ron and Jan. They are wonderfully generous and caring people that believe in investing in their community and the people in it.

So, if next summer you happen to need some good, fresh locally-grown produce, head out to the 3 Hens French Market.

Perhaps the Hiblers will be there to sell their surplus fruits and vegetables. They’ll be hard to miss.
Just look for their old red International Harvester dump truck ... or you can listen for Ron’s booming voice.

Be sure to ask how the garden is growing.

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