John T. Irby Sr.

John T. Irby Sr., 93, Fargo, ND passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at St. Catherine’s North in Fargo.

John T. Irby Sr. was born August 2, 1931 at Walthill, NE to James and Helen (Friend) Irby. He graduated from Staples (MN) High School in 1948 and enlisted in US Army 1951. John married Jean Irby on Nov. 23, 1952 in Warroad, MN. John 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 loved golfing, wintering in Florida and spending summers at their cottage on Big Cormorant Lake.  But mostly he loved his family.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he attended almost every activity they participated in.

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

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

Memorial Service: Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 2 PM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Staples, MN at a later date.

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

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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