Arvo N. Wibe

Arvo Newman Wibe was born in the Rollag area on October 25th, 1930, to Anton and Nora (Anderson) Wibe. In 1933, the family moved to Cormorant Township in Becker County. Arvo attended country school in District 10. In 1940, the family moved to Hitterdal in Atlanta Township, where Arvo attended country school in District 33. He graduated in 1948 from Hitterdal High School. After a tour of duty in the Air Force, he started farming in 1950.

On November 27th, 1952, he married Beverly Haugrud at the Hawley parsonage. During their 71 years of marriage, Arvo and Beverly’s perfect partnership was evident in the way they raised their five children, prepared potatoes and flat bread for family gatherings, and kicked up their heels on the dance floor. Their travels ranged from bus trips across the country to simply going out for an afternoon drive. The immense devotion the two shared remained strong right up to Beverly’s passing on August 26, 2024.

In 1959, Arvo and Beverly moved to Hitterdal, the community to which they dedicated themselves and genuinely appreciated. Arvo was elected Mayor of Hitterdal, served on the Hitterdal School Board, and was a member of the Hitterdal Lions and the Hitterdal Firemen. He drove school bus for Ulen-Hitterdal School for 24 years and found it heartwarming to cross paths with grown adults who fondly remembered him as their bus driver.

Arvo was a longtime member of Highland Grove Lutheran Church. When the church closed, he and Beverly joined Salem Lutheran Church. Arvo was very active in his church, serving on the church council and as the Highland Grove Cemetery Board Sexton for decades.

Arvo had a strong work ethic, a quality he instilled by example in his children. His contributions to the Wibe family farm continued well into his 80s. It brought him special joy to be part of the harvest alongside his three sons and grandson.

Arvo’s life was marked by kindness, faith, dignity, and humility. Above all else, he was a family man whose steady presence was one of his greatest gifts. He epitomized the beauty of a life driven by purpose, integrity, and love.

Arvo is survived by his children James, Jamie (Rick) White, Brian (Jody), Susan (Jeff) Schultz, and Steven (Jessica); 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; his parents; brother, Orris Wibe and sister, Ilah Wibe.

The family would like to thank St. Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate care during Arvo’s final days. In lieu of thank you notes, the family will be making donations to Highland Grove Cemetery and Salem Cemetery. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful gestures of sympathy and friendship.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, from 5-6:30 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Visitation will continue Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. A Livestream of the service will be available through Salem Lutheran's Facebook page.

Final resting place will be in Highland Grove Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.