August 24, 1969–June 3, 2026__________________________________________
Shawn David Tibbs was born on August 24, 1969, in Mobridge to Michael Tibbs and Kay Ketchum Tibbs. He joined his sister Neilie. At age 5 he lost his mom to cancer. At age 6 he gained his mom, Kathy, and brother Kevin. Not long after, sister Mika was born to round out their crew. Shawn grew up in Dupree. Many summers were spent in Ridgeview at his Uncle Bernie and Aunt Dorothy’s house. He and his cousins learned all things ranching and probably a few other things too. Grandpa Shortlog kept the herd in line and gave them all their nicknames. Shawn was fondly known as “Joe,” rarely getting called by his real name.
Shawn won the South Dakota Silver Gloves boxing championship that earned him a trip to Nationals in Peoria, IL. He was a player for his favorite football team, the Dupree Tigers and played basketball for a short while. Shawn’s real talent came through when he got on a horse. Much time was spent with his family at Johnny Holloway’s doing just what he loved— riding, roping and spurrin’ a bronc.
Shawn graduated from high school in 1987 and won the SD State High School Saddle Bronc Championship that summer. He attended Western Texas College. He graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Ag. Shawn traveled the PRCA trail with friends Rorey Lemmel, Denny McLanahan and Lynn Churchill, who became family, trusted and true. He took time to help younger athletes start their career. When his cousin TC Holloway started traveling, he encouraged him every step of the way. Shawn gave a set of chaps he’d had made for himself to cousin Cody Taton who wore them proudly that season making it to the 2007 Canadian Finals. He gave his saddle to another bronc rider stopping through who found himself needing one in the middle of his run.
Shawn met Steph Kuemper in 1998 and they had two daughters, Jordyn and Cayle. His favorite things to do were swimming with the girls and sitting around a firepit in the evening. As they grew older they found his love of rodeo. This brought Shawn back to the arena as well. They travelled down the road to Zancanella’s so Shawn and Jordyn could rope and Cayle could run barrels. He grumbled about living East River but found some of the best friends he could have hoped for living in rural Aurora for 26 years.
Shawn was a transmission line general foreman getting his start working for Jim Boldt with Boldt Power. He worked traveling for the IBEW union until settling in with Excel Energy.
Shawn made friends that spanned the globe. He made lifelong friends and the stories of their good times are plentiful.
Grateful for having shared Shawn’s life are his partner, Steph Kuemper; their children, Jordyn and Cayle; his Dad Mike Tibbs; Mom Kathy (Harvey) McPherson; brothers Kevin Tibbs, and Brian and Brad McPherson; sisters Neilie (Doug) Goodwin and Mika (Paul) Tibbs Peterson; mother-in-law Diane (Steve) DeSchepper; brother-in-law Chris Kuemper; nephews Bradyn, Will, Riley, Brady, Breckin, Creighton and Calder; nieces Molly and Tinley; aunts Phyllis Gilbert, Jerilyn Lemke and Lila Taton; and numerous extended family members.
Meeting Shawn at the arena in the sky are his Mom, Kay Tibbs; Grandpa Shortlog and Grandma Bethel Tibbs; Grandpa Neil and Grandma Alice Ketchum; Grandpa Bob and Grandma Gene Burgee; Aunt Florence Eliason; Uncle Pat Tibbs, Uncle Bernie and Aunt Dorothy Tibbs; Uncle Gary Gilbert; Uncles Danny and Jae Burgee; father-in-law Bruce Kuemper; niece Willa Peterson, and special cousin, TC Holloway.