Libbey Wheeler

Rugby

Libbey Evelyn (Henry) Wheeler, 96, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, in Minot, N.D.

Libbey was born Feb. 24, 1926, in Rolette, N.D., to Fred and Malvina (Patidnaude) Henry. She was the second of five children. She resided in Rolette County for most of her life, living on the Jolibois family homestead, which she inherited after her father’s death in 1952. She attended Shell Valley School through her sophomore year, then Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, N.D., where she graduated with top honors as her class salutatorian. After high school, Libbey joined the World War II U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps and attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Minot, N.D.

Libbey married Lorne Ray Wheeler on July 14, 1947, at St. Michaels Catholic Rectory in Thorne, N.D. She worked on and off as a nurse while raising nine children and managing the family farm with Lorne. Following Lorne’s death in 2009, she sold the farm and moved into an apartment at Haaland Estates in Rugby, N.D., in 2013, residing there for the rest of her years.

Libbey was a devout Catholic and had an incredible work ethic, always insisting that keeping busy was how she stayed in good health. She was also an incredible quilter and baker, skills she learned from her mother. She enjoyed making quilts for significant events in her family’s lives – from births to graduations, weddings, holidays, and more. Her kitchen was also always stocked with homemade caramel rolls, cookies, bread, jams, jellies, and other treats for everyone to enjoy.

Her family will miss her fast wit and humor as much as they miss her love and generosity. Libbey is survived by her children Alan (Mary), Winona, M.N., Karen (Monte) Kelly, Fargo, N.D., Denice (Richard) Casavant, Rolette, N.D., Deborah Casavant, Wing, N.D., Kevin (Marilyn), Minot, N.D., and Joel (Judy), Devils Lake, N.D.; as well as 29 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren; and son-in-law, Aime Casavant of Queen Creek, AZ. She was preceded in death by her husband Lorne; son Larry; daughter Barbara and son-in-law Larry Luebke; daughter Brenda Casavant; grandson Jason Wheeler; parents Fred and Malvina (Patidnaude) Henry; and her siblings Clifford, Emery, Violet, and Bernice.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette, ND. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rolette, ND in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 17, 2023.