Pastor Wayne V. Quibell
October 6, 1934 ~ February 6, 2023
Born in:
Chicago, Illinois
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Services will be livestreamed here beginning at 1:45 PM Tuesday
https://online.atonement.live/
Wayne Vearl Quibell peacefully passed away at his home on February 6th, 2023. As he took his last breath, he was surrounded by his three loving sons (Tom, Matt, and John) while in the care of Sanford Hospice.
Wayne was brought into the world on October 6th 1934 in Chicago, IL. to his parents John Vearl and Evelyn (Johnson) Quibell. The family soon moved back to the Johnson Family Farm in Svea Township, Kittson County (between Drayton ND and Kennedy, MN) where Wayne grew up. There he attended District 44 Elementary School and graduated from Kennedy High School. Following graduation, he headed off to Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis before transferring to Concordia College in Moorhead MN where he graduated in 1958 with degrees in English, Speech and Education. He then went on to teach English in Halstad MN for one year.
Wayne married Bobbi (Gertrude) Dryden on June 27th, 1959 in Drayton, ND. Together, they raised three sons: John, Matt, and Tom. Through Wayne and Bobbi’s interest in relief work with refugees, they shared their home with many people. Two of those very special people are Sabiha Davillier and Bilam Oliva Remirez who have been part of the family for over 30 years.
In the fall of 1959, Wayne attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul MN and later graduated in 1963. His first call as a pastor was to the dual parishes of Little Cedar Lutheran and Marshall Lutheran in Adams, MN where he served until 1976. Following this time, the family moved to Fargo ND, where Pastor Wayne served at Atonement Lutheran Church from 1976 to 1993. He accepted a call to be interim Pastor in Kindred, ND. in 1994 and went on to work with the LSS Refugee Resettlement Program until 1996. From then on, Wayne served a 3-point parish of Bethany Lutheran Church in McLeod ND., Zion Lutheran Church in rural Leonard ND., and Viking in rural Walcott ND. He also worked part time as protestant chaplain at CHI Riverview from 2000 to 2023. Over time, both Zion Lutheran and Viking chose to close down, but Wayne served in McLeod until 2023.
Wayne would’ve celebrated 60 years in ministry this year. His love to engage with people, his ability to display Jesus’ love and patience, and his willingness to meet people where they were at, endeared him to almost everyone he met.
When asked when he would retire, his response was “When I die”.
On January 7, 2023 Wayne learned that his organs were full of cancer. That same day, he wrote 2 letters of resignation and started the process to enter Hospice.
Wayne loved flowers, music and family. Although flowers may have been his interest, his skill was in growing weeds. As guests would stroll through his yard, you would often hear, “Those are mighty fine thistles you have there!”
The enjoyment of music was something he shared with his wife Bobbi, as they would lead their family in song and harmonize with each other in a captivating way. Besides his voice, Wayne never quite found an instrument that agreed with him, but he loved to attend jams with his grandchildren and listen to others play. He loved supporting his grandchildren with all of their interests whether it be music or attending sports events. His latest additions to the family, an English Cocker Spaniel named Sir Rylee Robin Dryden and black cat named Snowflake brought him much enjoyment. Rylee was always begging to ride shotgun whenever Wayne was driving, Wayne believed it was because of Rylee’s devoted love for him, others thought it had more to do with the McDonalds Sausage Biscuit Rylee would receive.
Wayne is survived by sons: John (Karen Trautman) of Fargo; Matt (Cindy Cossette) of Rochert, MN; and Tom of Fargo; grandchildren: Brandon, Lucas, Sydney, Tristan, and Ethan Quibell; his brother Douglas (June) Quibell of Drayton, ND; nephew Ray (Kristy) Quibell, Drayton, ND; and niece Jodi (Stu) Quibell, Grand Forks, ND and special friends, Ann Schluter and Todd Bachmeier.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbi (died June 20, 2013) and his parents, John Vearl and Evelyn Johnson.
Instead of flowers, the family encourages you to give a gift to Feed My Starving Children or charity of your choice.
Services
Celebration of Life - Tuesday: February 14, 2023 2:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Visitation - Tuesday: February 14, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Prayer Service - Monday: February 13, 2023 7:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Visitation - Monday: February 13, 2023 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
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Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We loved you Pastor Quibell!!
Will miss you Wayne Quibell
Met you as a teacher in Halstad Mn High School
Renewed our friendship when I moved to Fargo
Wayne never drove by without stopping to say “HI”
To the family,
Condolences to Pastor Wayne’s family. I knew him through Riverview. He had a heart to serve and loved to visit with people. He will be missed.
Nancy Burley
For the family of Wayne Quibell
I knew Wayne at Riverview Place for many years.
he was a welcoming smiling person for everyone.
He will be remembered
A good man has gone to his eternal reward. My prayers and sympathy are with the family of Pastor Quibell. May they find comfort in their memories and consolation in their faith. While there is sorrow here at his death, there is much joy among the cloud of witnesses who welcome him home.
I was lucky enough to know Pastor Wayne Quibell, he married Kathy (Houge) and myself in the McLeod church almost 10 years ago. He was a wonderful man, what a loss. 💔
So sorry to hear about Pastor Wayne’s passing. I know that he loved his ” cowboy parish” in McLeod. He also married Paul and myself at my Church in McLeod almost 10 years ago. God bless you and keep you Pastor.
Peace to the Quibell family, Wayne and Bobbie are reunited and the heavens resound with their harmonies. Many memories of Wayne from the pulpit to VBS to confirmation to my wedding day. Blessings to all as you celebrate his life.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Wayne. He was an incredible man and positively impacted so many lives. I had the wonderful opportunity to be in daycare with Bobbi as well as attended church at Atonement, where I spent a significant amount of time with Wayne and his family, specifically his son Tom. I have too many good memories to note, but what I always remember about Wayne is his smile and laugh, which would light up any room and so very infectious. He was always happy to see and talk to anyone and everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and he will always be apart of my life.
I am saddened hearing of the death of Wayne. As so many have already said on this Guestbook, he was one of the kindest and most gentle persons I know. I loved his great big smile and his sense of humor. I got to know him as a fellow colleague in the Wahpeton Conference of the Eastern North Dakota Synod. I would also see Wayne often when I went to see a parishioner at Riverview in Fargo. Wayne will be missed by anyone who was a part of his life and ministry, as well as, anyone else who got to know him. Wayne, your reward is waiting for you in heaven; rest in peace.
I was a senior in high school when Mr. Quibell came to Halstad. He instantly became one of my favorite instructors and favorite people. We loved his personality and sense of humor. In recent years we reconnected with Wayne when we began inviting him to attend our every-five-year class reunion. It was always a joy to have him attend.
One of my contributions at these reunions was “The Ten Most Famous Quotes to Come Out of Halstad”. Number 3 was Wayne Quibell: “If I don’t get these kids straightened out in the next couple of months, I’m going into the seminary”.
Thank you, Wayne, for being part of our lives.
Clarence Stennes Halstad Class of 1959
It was my privilege to serve as Bemidji Superintendent of Schools, Minnesota Lt. Governor, a Fortune 500 corporate executive and a vocational school owner/operator. As my professional career got underway I reflected on those who made the greatest difference in my life. Wayne was my debate coach at Halstad High School and so very encouraging. A great deal of my success was due to his influence. I structured an imaginary “Board of Directors” and I would mentally ask myself what advice each would they give me as I made decisions. Wayne was one of the most important members of that Board and even today his wonderful wit, moral compass, and wisdom guide me. His life was a gift to all of us and I’m honored to have known him and been influenced for good.
My sincere sympathy to the Quibell family! I was fortunate to have had Wayne as my English teacher in 1959 as a senior at Halstad Hgh School. I met up with him again most recently at our 2020 Class Reunion. He was a fine man, very personable and treated everyone with respect. To know him was to love him!
Rest in Peace, Wayne!
We’ve known pastor Quibell since 1976. He was a kind and loving person who was always there for us. He will be greatly missed. Fly high…rest in God’s arms.
As a friend and member of Wayne’s spiritual flock, I am ever grateful for the gentle guidance and wisdom that he gave my family. Wayne’s sense of humor over the years has given many the ability to not take life so seriously. The angels in heaven will enjoy that sense of humor as well. As we moved away, many fond memories of Fargo remain, especially being apart of the family Wayne created at Atonement. Wayne always saw the best in everyone, a true gift that will be missed by all. Rest in peace dear friend. In God‘s love, Tic Brandy, Naomi, Abbey Mosser
Pastor Quibell was such a blessing to my family that attended Viking Lutheran Church. My sympathy and prayers are with his family as you not only go through this time of grief but also celebrate his life and faithful ministry to so many people.
My prayers are with Wayne’s family.
He was my English teacher my senior year in Halstad High School, his first year of teaching.
His dedication to Christ’s teaching is truly commendable.
Norma Opgrand
I have dozens of fond memories of Wayne Quibell. MANY years ago I met him when he spoke at my church, Beautiful Savior – pertaining to one of the many causes he supported in the Fargo/Moorhead area. He arrived at this particular
speaking gig riding a motorcycle with his hair tied back in a pony tail. Made quite an impression on this young Pastor’s wife. Years later, I spent seven years working with him at Riverview Place – even having the opportunity (joy) to sing with him at a few RVP functions. How I loved this man (there was nothing unlovable about Wayne)! He even entrusted me to do some vacancy preaching at his church in McLeod, which I so appreciated since I felt an unfulfilled “calling” in that direction. He believed in me. He supported me through my cancer journey and gave me hugs when I needed them. I own Rylee’s littermate, Reggie. These two “pups” (now 12 yr old pups) would have fun together even yet. I would love to be at Wayne’s service, if I didn’t live in Bellingham WA. Wayne taught me much about living fully in the grace of Jesus. I will miss him.
My dad, Danny Mortenson, was Wayne’s childhood friend and the best man at my parent’s wedding. He baptized at least a couple of us. The 4 Mortenson kids grew up going to visit the Quibell family every Labor Day Weekend in Adams, MN, and LOVED spending time with Wayne, Bobbi, and the boys. Wayne was such a bundle of fun, love, and caring. When I went to college at Moorhead State I saw Wayne, Bobbi, and Tom a few times, and John at the shoe repair shop. It was like seeing family and a home away from home. Forty years later, Wayne presided at my dad’s funeral service and stayed overnight with us at my mom’s house. It was if we’d just seen each other the week before. Dear Wayne, you made this corner of the world more wonderful. Dear John, Louie, and Tom, I’m holding you in my heart.
God’s comfort to Pastor Quibell’s family. It is difficult to lose such a Blessing.
The memories I have of Wayne as the Pastor of Adams Lutheran Church bring nothing but Joy to my heart. Whether it was Confirmation Class, Luther League, or trips to the Cabin. He had a special way of bringing us to Christ with love , laughter and shenanigans! (Should I mention Snipe Hunts?) For my family, Wayne and Bobbie were beacons of light during some difficult times. I, however, was a terrible babysitter. Sorry!!
My father, Danny Mortenson, was Wayne’s childhood friend, and Wayne was the best man at my parents’ wedding. Wayne baptized me, and probably one or two of my siblings. The 4 of us and my parents went to stay with the Quibells every Labor Day Weekend in Adams, MN. We LOVED visiting Wayne, Bobbi, and the boys. Wayne was always so full of fun, joy, love, and caring. After they moved to Fargo we didn’t see them as much, but I went to Moorhead State and occasionally saw Wayne, Bobbi, and Tom at church or at their house, and John at the shoe repair shop. It was like seeing family, a home away from home. In 2016, Wayne officiated at my dad’s funeral and stayed overnight with us at my parent’s house. It had been 30 years since I’d seen him, but it was like a week ago. It was such a blessing to have Wayne with us for a couple of days, and hear his words of remembrance at the service. This corner of the world was made more wonderful by having Wayne in it. John, Louie, and Tom, I’m holding you in my heart.
I got to know Wayne when he joined our staff at Riverview Place. I served as the Administrator of Riverview Place during the first years Wayne served as one of our Pastoral staff.
He was such an outstanding part of our staff, so good with our staff and residents.
He was special to my wife Louise and myself, as he married us in the Riverview Chapel. Our sympathy to the family & God bless this wonderful man.
I write today to share our families sincere sympathies on the loss of your father. He was my God Father and important in my early life. While I did not get to spend much time with him, I was able to visit on a couple of occasions while attending Concordia College. My dad and he were classmates together and he was in my parents wedding in 1958. Blessings to you all during this very difficult time.
My parents, David and Charlotte Anderson, also send their sympathies and prayers to your family.
My deepest condolences to the Quibell family. Wayne was a great person.
Goerkem
Wayne was a great man.
Maxine Fagerland
If you read the many comments on this guest book, the word special comes up a lot. That is exactly correct. There was something special about Pastor Wayne. He had this warmth to him. I remember parts of his sermons from 25+ years ago at Atonement. Church for me was never the same after he left and that was his impact to the space around him. My thoughts go out to his family.
I loved this man. When my husband Dan and I were newlyweds living south of Atonement, he welcomed us there with open arms. I remember many interactions we had with him, at difficult times and times of celebration. Our son was one of Bobbi’s daycare kids, and she and Wayne were a wonderful part of our life. I am saddened to know he is no longer in this world, but have hope that he has “connected” with my beloved husband and they laugh in heaven like they did on earth. Warm thoughts and care to you John, Matt and Tom.
Wayne was an unforgettable mentor while I was attending NDSU and we attended services with them in Fargo. Wayne had an indescribable joy about him that was infectious. As I was planning on seminary following college he acted as my mentor. Several things we remember about Wayne and family; Their upside down Christmas tree in their entry way, sermons such as the one on 1 Peter 2:10 in which he had us memorize the text and just how he lived the Gospel. We just heard of his passing and are sorrowful but yet overjoyed that we knew him.