Eleanore Gilje

Eleanore (Carlson) Gilje, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, at Baptist Health and Rehab after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her loving family, who provided comfort as she prepared to leave this earthly world for eternal life in heaven. Born on September 16, 1942, in the small town of Larimore, ND, to her biological parents. After losing them at a young age, Eleanore and her sister Janet were adopted by Erick and Lenora (Larson) Carlson, who cherished raising the little girls. Her brothers, who were older, were cared for by other relatives. Though separated for much of their early lives, Eleanore and Janet and James and Gilmore were blessed to find each other in later years, sharing precious time and laughter. She was preceded in death by her loving and doting parents, her sister Janet Van Beek, brothers James Rockne and Gilmore Renthon, her beautiful and vivacious daughter Janine Gilje, her gentle and soft-spoken son Craig Gilje, and her kind-hearted parents-in-law, Tabe and Mae Gilje. Eleanore was also preceded in death by aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews. Eleanore's life was a testament to love and commitment, exemplified in her marriage to Dale T. Gilje. They shared a lifetime of memories and celebrated 60 years of marriage, beginning on June 5, 1966. Together, they raised their only son, Craig, and four daughters: Janine, Michele, Susan, and Laurie. She was a proud grandmother to Ian, Molly, Jamie, Jackson, Jacob, Lacy, Sarah, and Kaitlyn, and a loving great-grandmother to little Samuel. Her legacy in education began with her graduation from Halliday High School in 1960, followed by earning a degree in education from Dickinson State University in 1964. Eleanore dedicated herself to teaching in Wolf Point, MT, and Halliday, ND, before devoting her life to raising her family. Her passion for learning and literature endured throughout her life, as she was an avid reader who shared her love of books with everyone around her. Eleanore's faith was central to her life. She was an active member of Beulah Zion Lutheran Church and Wheaton Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Her commitment extended beyond her faith community, as she was involved in many organizations such as Homemakers and the Red Hat Society. Eleanore found joy in volunteering, offering her time and kindness to those in need. She was a volunteer for more than 14 years with Sakakawea Hospice. Some of the families favorite memories of Eleanore were of them with her and Dad/Grandpa at the farm, yearly trips to see the Medora Musical, and traveling to all of the activities that her grandchildren participated in. She was an amazing piano player, who taught herself to play by ear. She loved listening to music, especially gospel and the blues, and any song by her favorite artist, Elvis Presley. Eleanore loved animals her entire life, from the time she was little and cared for the ones on the family farm, to the dogs and cats we had while growing up. She loved flowers and all things "pretty." Drop the Hanky and Ring Around the Rosie were games that she and Grandpa loved to teach and play with the grandkids. Eleanore had the best laugh and could be so silly, especially with her sister Janet. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she's been reunited with her mama and daddy, her sister and brothers, Craig and Janine, and all the extended family, friends, and furry loved ones who went on before her. Eleanore Gilje's life was an inspiration of love, education, compassion, and community service. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and friends will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Eleanore is survived by her loving husband, Dale T. Gilje of Bullhead City, AZ; her children Michele (Lee) Werchau of Bullhead City, AZ; Susan (Scott) Thormahlen of Rapid City, SD; and Laurie Gilje of Rochester, MN. Daughter-in-law Julie (Craig) Gilje of Fargo, ND. Eleanore is also survived by eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson. A service to honor Eleanore's life will be held on October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 112 5th Street NW, Beulah, ND 58523. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. There will be time for food and fellowship after the church service, with a private burial to follow at the Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan, ND. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Baptist Health and Rehab Bismarck, ND for their dedicated care over the years, and to HIA Hospice of Bismarck, ND for their comforting presence during the last months of her life. We want to express our deepest gratitude to Pastor Kathi Nygaard for her profound comfort and presence during our mom's final hours. For the past several years, she has been a steady source of strength and grace for our family. We are also incredibly thankful to the Beulah community and the entire congregation of Zion Lutheran Church for the unwavering love, prayer, and support they have shown our family. We are grateful for the kind and supportive Barbot Funeral Home in handling the details of our mother's funeral.