M. Ione Priebe

M. Ione Priebe, Fargo, passed away November 24, 2024 at Edgewood, Fargo, ND surrounded by her loving family and wonderful caregivers.

Ione was born July 31, 1935 to George and Mabel (Nygren) McMartin. She grew up and attended school at St. Thomas, ND.

Following graduation she attended Minot Teachers College. She taught elementary school at Kenmare, ND for several years where she met her future husband. Ione and Donald (Don) Priebe were married June 8, 1958 at St. Thomas, ND. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 2015. While living in Kenmare, ND, their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Susan (Priebe) O’Neill and Jane (Priebe) Hanson. After living at Kenmare, ND and New Brighton, MN, the family moved to Fargo, ND in 1969.

Faith, family and friends were most important in Ione’s life. She was a member of St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent for several years, played the piano, attended bible study and was involved in church women’s activities.

Ione started working at JC Penney in 1977 where she made many life-long friends. She retired from JC Penney in 1994. In retirement, Ione and Don enjoyed travel in the US and several foreign countries, and time spent with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, and six siblings (Donald, Jean, Margaret, Vernon, Marvin, and Ronald). Ione is survived by her two daughters Sue O’Neill, Gig Harbor, WA and Jane (Dana) Hanson, Brainerd, MN, four grandchildren Jennifer (Adam) Gourneau, Melissa Hanson, Justin (Katelyn) Hanson and Kendrick O’Neill, and six great-grandchildren Caleb, Hannah, Abram, Griffin, Hudson and Emmett.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Great Plains Food Bank.