IRENE RUTH VISBY

IRENE RUTH VISBY

Irene Ruth Visby passed away on August 16, 2022 in Fargo ND. 

Irene Ruth Visby (Langdahl) was born November 6, 1935 to Sigurd and Elene (Satrom) Langdahl in Page, ND.  She was the only daughter born along with 5 brothers.  She graduated from Page High School and received her Bachelor’s degree at Valley City Teachers College. Irene taught at a rural one room school house near Galesburg ND. She also taught in Finley and Fargo ND. prior to her marriage to Clayton Visby.

Irene married James Clayton Visby on June 16, 1963 in Page, ND.  They lived and farmed on the Visby Farm west of Hope until February 1976, when they moved into their new home located just across the road from Hope.  Together they raised their 3 children- Paul, Peggy and Christopher.

Irene belonged to the ’61 Homemakers Club, American Legion Auxiliary, was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher and officer in Ladies Aid and Circle.  As the children grew older, Irene began her long career as a substitute teacher in the Hope and Page Schools. She retired from substitute teaching at the age of 80. She also was a clerk for the Carpenter Township for many years.

Irene’s love for sports started at an early age while following her brothers play baseball.  She loved all sports, playing cards, making baby quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and reading.   But above all she loved her grandchildren.  She spent countless hours holding babies, reading books to them, helping them with homework, playing cards and following them to every sporting event she could. 

Irene moved to One Oak Place in Fargo in November 2017 to be closer to her doctors.   She enjoyed spending time with new friends - visiting, attending book club and gathering time at the “Pub”. 

She is survived by her three children - Paul, Fargo ND, Peggy (John) Ihry and Christopher, both of Hope ND.  A brother Larry Langdahl, Page ND. Eight Grandchildren - Nicolette (Kevin) Jackson of Savannah GA. Margaret (Josh) Buchholz of Fingal ND. James (Morgan) Ihry of Hope ND. Jacob (Nicole) Ihry of Grand Forks ND. Joseph Ihry of St. Louis Park MN. Jack Ihry of Grand Forks ND. Violette and Jens Ihry of Hope ND. Thirteen Great Grandchildren Julian and Genevieve Jackson of Savannah GA. Madison, Vienna, Shepherd and Rosalie Buchholz of Fingal ND. Rhett, Clayton, Eleanor and Gunnar Ihry of Hope ND. Daxton, Dekker and Dawson Ihry of Grand Forks ND. and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Sigurd and Elene, four brothers Elmer, Allen, Sigurd Jr. and Orville and her husband James Clayton. 

The funeral will be on August 26, 2022 at 2 pm at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hope ND. There will be lunch and gathering following at the Hope Legion.  Please make donations to the Hope Cemetery in place of flowers.