Sandra Lee (Wasem) Gilje

Sandy Lee Gilje, 75, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was born August 26, 1948, in Halliday, North Dakota, the daughter of Maurice and Theresa (Malsem) Wasem. Sandy was raised and educated in Halliday graduating from high school.  

On September 30,1966, Sandy was united in marriage to Harlin Gilje at Dickinson, North Dakota.  Four sons were born to this union. Sandy and Harlin moved to Manchester in 1990. She spent most of her career working as a librarian in the West Delaware School system.

Sandy loved the outdoors.  She enjoyed riding her bike, gardening, fishing, and baking. Sandy most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Harlin Gilje; her three sons, Mike (Cher) Gilje, Scott (Missy) Gilje, and  Cory Gilje; five grandchildren Brady (Sarah) Gilje, Brooklyn (Tyler) Haag, Dane (Peyton) Gilje, Mason Gilje and Brycen Gilje; eight great-grandchildren, Talitha, Keturah, Ira, Casper, and Azariah Haag, and Melody, Nolan, and Truvy Gilje; her mother, Theresa Wasem; six siblings, Jeri Aguillar, Jackie (Earl) McMahen, Bobbie Wagner, Jim Wasem, Mark (Juliene) Wasem, and Brent (Nancy) Wasem.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Maurice Wasem; her son, Kevin Gilje; her two brothers-in-law, Manuel Aguillar and Ron Wagner.

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