Beverly J. Wibe

Beverly Jean (Haugrud) Wibe was born in Pelican Rapids, MN on July 24, 1931, to James and Bertha (Hofstad) Haugrud. She grew up in the Rollag area and attended country school in Clay County in District 14 and 77. She told of skiing the Rollag hills as a way to get to and from school in the winter months and packing 10 sandwiches for her school lunch.

In 1949, Beverly graduated from Hawley High School. She attended Moorhead State Teachers College and earned a 2-year degree. After college, she taught in Benson, MN and in District 77 Country School.

On November 27, 1952, she married Arvo Wibe at the Hawley parsonage. Arvo and Beverly were a marvelous pair, whether raising their five children together, teaming up to make flat bread, or on the dance floor at the VFW.

Once her children were older, Beverly began working at Ulen-Hitterdal School. She was a library aide, a paraprofessional, and a substitute teacher. It was during this time she continued her education by taking classes at Moorhead State University. Learning was a lifelong pursuit - She even took up piano/organ lessons in her 60’s.

Beverly was a longtime member of Highland Grove Lutheran Church. When that church closed, she became a member of Salem Lutheran Church. Beverly was very active in her church, teaching Sunday school and serving her community through her involvement in Ladies Aid and Circle.

Beverly made important contributions to the Wibe family farm as well. She prepared lunches for harvest workers until retiring from that role, with some reluctance, at the age of 91.

She seemed to be great at everything. Her culinary skills were exceptional, with her signature recipes for potato salad and ham gravy being among her family's absolute favorites (and hardest to replicate). She grew immaculate vegetable and flower gardens, and on trips to the casino, she finished ahead more often than not. Most of all, she excelled at touching the lives of others and adding to the richness of their existence.

All that Beverly did was an extension of her love and genuine compassion for others. Nowhere was that more evident than in her unparalleled devotion to her family. She had a remarkable flair for making holidays extra special. A Wibe Christmas Eve was absolutely magical because of Beverly's hospitality and the traditions she maintained. Even as the family grew and grew over the years, she never missed a family member's birthday.

Beverly epitomized the notion that the most important thing in life is to love and to be loved. She set a fine example for all of us.

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

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Adeline Roth and brother, James Haugrud

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 5-6:30 PM with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. 

Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 5, from 1-2 PM followed by the memorial service at 2:00 at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. the service will be Live-streamed through the Salem Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Burial will be in Highland Grove Cemetery, Hitterdal, MN.