Scholarship Created In Memory Of Longtime Bemidji Resident, Business Owner

A scholarship for graduating Bemidji High School students has been established after the passing of a longtime community member.

Sue Tibstra passed away at the age of 63 in July 2016, after a long battle with cancer. Tibstra owned The Home Place Bike and Ski Shop for 30 years with husband John, after moving to Bemidji in 1985, according to a press release.

Since her passing, the advisory committee of the Greater Bemidji Outdoor Foundation Fund has agreed to sponsor the Sue Tibstra Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be administered by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

According to Sue’s friend, Muriel Gilman, Sue was a committed, unassuming volunteer who was passionate about outdoor activities from bicycling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing to hiking, walking and paddling.

“She was a giver, never asking for anything in return,” said Gilman in a statement. “Her work in The Home Place was as much about getting people outfitted to fully enjoy skiing or bicycling as it was about selling equipment to make a living wage.  The Home Place customers were part of her circle of friends — and she had so many friends.  Sue had only good things to say about all those she met, as well as those who worked for her and with her.”

The scholarship will be granted to graduating seniors who are attending a two- or four-year secondary education institution, and who exemplify Sue’s positive attitude and demonstrate a strong team spirit. Preference will be given to Nordic skiing program participants who volunteered with the Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Club’s Sunday Ski School and/or other area community ski events.

Organizers are asking for donations as the scholarship is not yet fully funded.  Checks may be written to: NMF-Greater Bemidji Outdoor Fund/Tibstra and sent to 201 3^rd St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601. Or make your gift online. Go to www.nwmf.org and click Find a Fund, then enter Tibstra in the Search box. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Contact Joan Sagedahl with questions at [email protected] or call 218-368-3127.