John "Jack" H. Bailey

Jack’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below at 1:00 PM Sunday, May 17, 2026.

John “Jack” H. Bailey of Edgewood Vista Fargo at 4440 37th Avenue South, Fargo, ND died Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Eventide Fargo surrounded by family with compassionate care provided by Eventide staff and Ethos Hospice.

Jack Bailey was born to Herbert Bailey and Mary (McLeod) Bailey on November 28, 1932, in Barney Township, ND. Early childhood education was in Barney and Danton Township followed by completion of primary education at Wyndmere High School in 1950. He married Arlene J. (Huseth) Bailey on July 15, 1950, followed by employment at Wyndmere Lumber until enlistment in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War (1951 – 1955). He was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base in Great Falls, MT with the 407th Tactical Hospital achieving the rank of Hospital Sergeant Major. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Jack, Arlene, and growing family returned to Wyndmere, ND in 1955 settling on their long-term residence on Highway 18 just north of Wyndmere. He began a lengthy career as a rural letter carrier that served hundreds of families north and west of Wyndmere with a smile and commitment to delivering the mail including once delivering mail during a blizzard (with the help of brother-in-law Mel Hendricks) in a “snowbird” (propellor-driven sled). His career with the postal service led to being a rural carrier for Valley City, ND, becoming President of the North Dakota Rural Letter Carriers Association, serving as Lisbon, ND postmaster and ending his postal career at the Fargo Post Office in 1987. During his time in Wyndmere he also farmed, raised livestock, was an Electrician’s helper, and was a Director-Agent for Home Mutual Insurance, as well as Crop Adjuster for Nodak Mutual Insurance.

Jack’s many other activities included various community roles (Richland County Crop Show, official timer for Wyndmere High School Basketball games 1960-70’s), member of the Wyndmere United Methodist Church, Wahpeton Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post Brown-Nelson 153rd, Milnor Flying Club, regional involvement with the Wally Byam Airstream Club (serving as upper Midwest regional president) and international as a Ham radio operator.

Jack Bailey is survived by 5 children Jackie (Leroy) Hager of Battle Lake, MN, Cherie Bailey of Aurora, CO, Kyle (Debbie) Bailey of New Hope, MN, Howard (Laurie) Bailey of Madison, WI, and Wes (Carla) Bailey of Hood River, OR; 11 grandchildren Nicole (Eddie) Snyder, Jon (Marcy) Hager, Josh (Tara) Hager and Mike (Danielle) Hager, Casey (Jenna) Kohen, Justine (Brady) MacLean, Trent (Lacie) Bailey, Maia and Evan Bailey, Logan (Mac) Ideson and Mason (Mark) Bailey Bolland; 18 great-grandchildren Emma, Edward, Isabelle and Nolan Snyder, Alyssa, Taynian and Ethan Hager, Braeden, Caleb, Austen and Aubrey Hager, Rylie and Kaysn Hager, Valerie and Belle MacLean, Thomas and Charles Bailey, and baby Ideson; two brothers Colin (Linda) and Harris (Fern) Bailey; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jack was preceeded in death by his spouse Arlene; parents Herbert and Mary; and sisters JoAnn Strege and MaryEllen Bailey.

A Celebration of Life (Officiant Sonja Kjar) will occur at Boulger Funeral Home (123 10th Street South, Fargo, ND) at 1 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Visitation with family and friends will occur starting at noon with refreshments served immediately after the service (2 – 4 pm). Internment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery, Wyndmere, ND at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the charity of your choice or the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (Gifts in Jack’s memory may be made payable to the ‘UW Foundation’ with a note to direct as a tribute to the “UW Carbone Cancer Center Greatest Need Fund #112909110.” Donations can be mailed to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox Box 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807. Gifts can also be made online at give.wiscmedicine.org/cancer).

Jack’s family profoundly thanks his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends who frequently visited or called; and the staff and residents of Edgewood Vista Fargo who were his “other family” from 2019 to present.