Fern E. Haiby

Fern E. Haiby, 85, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND, while surrounded by her family. Fern Elaine Haiby was born September 1, 1939, in Jamestown, ND, to Glen and Alice (Hunt) Hoeckle. She grew up in Jamestown, ND, and attended school there through ninth grade. She was active in band and choir and youth church activities at the Nazarene Church. She was a member of the Girl Scouts for two years. In the fall of 1955, she moved to Blackduck, MN, with her family. She worked part time at Alice’s Café and attended high school there. She was active in choir and school plays, having the lead role in the Jr. class play called Nuts and Bolts. Later, she was picked for a regional one act play with seven other high school members, winning an award. In her senior year, the family moved to Mora, MN, after her grandfather’s passing. She graduated in 1958 and left for employment in Minneapolis at the Fifth Northwest National Bank.

On July 2, 1960, she married Arlan Haiby from Blackduck, MN. They lived in the cities until 1968 where they began raising their three children. They later moved to Moorhead, MN, due to a job transfer for Arlan. Arlan passed away on January 8, 2013, after 40 years in the trucking business.

Fern enjoyed photography, genealogy, country music, her flower garden, traveling, and was a member of 4-H for five years in Clay County. She was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church for many years and active in the Altar Guild, choir, helping in the church office, and enjoyed being a greeter. In later years, she did some volunteering, spent 25 years at the Moorhead Thrift Shop and served as Secretary of the Board for many years. From 1986 to 1997 she volunteered at the Hjemkomst Center in various areas. In the 1990’s she was employed by Preference Personnel of Fargo and had various part-time jobs. Arlan and Fern traveled to Arizona, in February, for several years in the 1990’s and 2000’s to see relatives and friends and to enjoy the sun and warmth.

Fern is survived by her three children, Mark Haiby of Mesa, AZ, Monte (Randee) of Hunter, ND, Kathy Haiby of Westport, OR; grandson, Matthew (Jordyn) Haiby of Wilton, ND; two step grandchildren, Grant (Jamie) Bitker of Buffalo, ND and Angela (Earl) Robertson of Hope, ND; great-granddaughter, Emersyn; and step great-grandchildren, Avery, Arwen, Hayston, Hazel and Erna.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlan, her parents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 18, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 3:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Graveside service will be Monday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m., at Lakeview Cemetery, Blackduck, MN.