Joan Harju Bailey

Mary Joan Harju Bailey, “Joan”, or ”Joanie” to her many friends, passed away quietly on May 3, 2016 after a short but vigilant battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, just as she would’ve planned it. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 10, at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 1470 S Washington St., Bismarck, with Rev. Joel Samuelson officiating. Burial will be held at the Wing Cemetery at 2:00 pm, May 10. Cremation has taken place, and family will be greeting guests from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday, May 9, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave., Bismarck. Joan was born on March 5, 1932, and was baptized and raised in the Christian faith by Albert and Iva Little near Wing, ND. She was married to Hubert “Bert” Harju in 1948 and gave birth to 4 children, all of whom loved her very much and will miss her. She and Bert raised their family in North Dakota and Minnesota until his passing in 1983. After Bert’s passing, she was married to Roy Bailey, and they spent 13 wonderful years together in Bismarck, ND. She loved playing dominos with her friends, visiting with family and friends, and reading. She was very proud of her children and always spoke fondly of them. She is survived by her four children, Terry Harju of Ophir, CO; Ivy Jo (Frank) Harju Slag of Aberdeen, WA; Brad (Renee) Harju of Minot, ND; John (Lucia) Harju of Grand Forks, ND; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and the families of the late Roy and Martha Bailey; Bernard (Cheryl) Bailey of Bismarck; Judy Bailey of Bismarck; Corrine (Mark) McKibben of Gig Harbor, WA; Eric Bailey of Bismarck; Greg (Carol) Bailey of Baldwin, ND; Helene (Carlos) Cuellar of Corpus Christi, TX; Ira (Kim) Bailey of Moorhead, MN; Joe (Susan) Bailey of West Fargo; and Kathy (Karlyle) Erickson of Rugby, ND along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorials in her name may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choosing.