11/01/2026
To say we lost a beautiful soul in this community is an understatement for sure! When we first arrived to Hilltop, Jenny came right over and offered to help in any way she could. She has always been a friend to us and we are forever grateful. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her and had a chance to spend time with her, until we meet again, rest easy Jenny♥️ many, many prayers to the Gibson and Black families. We are truly so sorry for the loss you are suffering. May you find peace in such difficult times✨
It is with deep sadness that we announce the crossing over of our mom, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and passionate resort owner/talented sock maker, Jenny Gibson. She has and always will have a remarkable presence in our family and the resort. The genuine love and care she gave to those around her and undeniable passion for the things she pursued are one of the many incredible ways to define her. The outstanding amount of support Jenny and our family have received over the years is a wonderful reflection of what Jenny provided to others throughout her lifetime.
May 18, 1969 – October 27, 2026
Jennifer Ellen (Black) Gibson, born to Craig Black and Trudy Palmatier in Green Bay, WI on May 18, 1969, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer at home on October 27, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She grew up in Hazelhurst, WI, at her family’s resort, Black’s Cliff, a place that always held a special place in her heart.
A 1987 graduate of Lakeland Union High School, she carried many fond memories as a member of the school band. After graduation, she attended University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where she studied to be an elementary teacher. While attending UW–River Falls, Jenny watched an intramural water polo game and instantly fell for one of the players, Troy Gibson. She went on to attend many of his games, spending hours trying to catch his attention. When she finally worked up the courage to call him, Troy famously answered with, “Jenny who?” Thankfully, that was not the end of their story. After a few dates, the two quickly became best friends and eventually married on May 16th 1992.
After graduation, Troy and Jenny spent a few years on the western side of the state in Ellsworth WI, but Jenny knew her place was back in the Northwoods, and moved home with Troy in 1993 to help with the resort. Shortly after they would have three sons: Jacob, Benjamin, and Grant. While Jenny was busy with the resort, she spent many hours volunteering in her sons’ classrooms, never missing a school related event.
Jenny had many hobbies, especially in crafting, traveling, and making sure that everyone experienced John Denver music. In 2012, she purchased an antique 1900s sock making machine and spent many hours making and selling socks. She put all of the profits toward her sons’ post-secondary education. Jenny was well-known to be found on her back porch cranking out socks on her many machines, drinking coffee with friends, and showing off her loon call. In her downtime Jenny loved to spend time with Troy in their camper to many campsites around Lake Superior, taking skiers behind her 1950s red wooden ski boat, and many other crafting projects.
When Jenny was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2022, the resort community and countless friends/family rallied around her, spending many hours with her at chemotherapy appointments, driving her to Mayo Clinic, and comforting her through her courageous battle. The Gibson family is deeply grateful to all the friends, family, and community members who have shown so much love and support during this difficult journey.
Jenny is preceded in death by her parents Craig and Trudy and in-laws Marvin and Diane Gibson. She is survived by her husband, Troy Gibson; her children, Jacob (Trinity), Benjamin (Alison), Grant (Bex); siblings Katie, Steve, their families, and other loving family members and friends.
Jenny will be remembered for her generous heart and her willingness to help others. She had a special way of making people feel cared for, and she gave of herself freely to those who needed a helping hand. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her and will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2027. We look forward to sharing memories, love, and laughter for the friends and family who attend. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
