John Irby

John T. Irby, Sr., 93, Fargo, North Dakota, passed away February 5, 2025 at St. Catherine’s North in Fargo.

Memorial services were held Feb. 10  at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND.

Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Staples,  at a later date.

John T. Irby, Sr. was born August 2, 1931 to James and Helen (Friend) Irby at Walthill, Nebraska. He graduated from Staples High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. John married Jean Irby on Nov. 23, 1952 in Warroad. He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and was Battalion Commander of D Battalion at Ft. Sheridan, IL. He graduated from UND in Grand Forks, ND, with a degree in electrical engineering and spent the majority of his career with Boise Cascade Corporation.

He enjoyed golfing, wintering in Florida and spending summers at their cottage on Big Cormorant Lake.  But most of all he loved his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he attended almost every activity they participated in.

John is survived by one son, John (Jan) Irby, Casselton, ND; two daughters, Carol (Don) McIntire, Hewitt and Sue (Lance) Hightower, Terlton, OK; five grandchildren, Joe Irby, Moorhead, Lindsey (Jeff) Bladow, Fargo, ND, Alex Tollefson, Moorhead, RaeLee Hightower, Katori City, Japan and Sterling Hightower, Tulsa, OK; one great-granddaughter, Ember Bladow and six siblings, Alma Boston, Bob Irby, Don Irby, Dennis Irby, Linda Patton and Larry Irby.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; one daughter, LuAnn; one granddaughter, Laura Sue and five siblings, Lola Ilertson, Jim Irby, Edna Joy Thompson, Bill Irby and Joan Corkin.

 Memorials may be directed to the Rainy River College Foundation for the LuAnn Irby Memorial Scholarship fund or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Arrangements were by West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, westfuneralhome.com.

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