Craig Gilje
December 30, 1966 ~ June 6, 2024
Born in:
Dickinson, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Craig Lee Gilje, 57, of Fargo, ND, passed away suddenly on June 6th, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center surrounded by his wife and children.
Craig was born December 30th, 1966, in Dickinson, ND to Dale and Eleanore Gilje. He was the only son and eldest of his sisters, Janine, Michele, Susan, and Laurie. Craig grew up in Beulah, ND where he attended high school and enjoyed football and wrestling before graduating in 1985. Immediately upon graduation, Craig joined the U.S Army and served as a combat engineer for two years stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Afterwards he went on to join the Air Force stationed at the McGuire AFB, NJ. He served almost six years as a loadmaster, two of which was spent in the Persian Gulf War, he was honorably discharged in 1992. His military career brought him many places around the world including Germany, Africa, and Turkey.
After the military, Craig moved to Duluth, MN where he met the love of his life Julie. The two of them married on October 27th, 2007, but in total they spent 24 years together. They share three children: Ian, Molly, and Jamie. Craig was a quiet, and humble family man. He had a fondness for music and loved attending concerts with his family. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing. He was also an animal lover and treasured his two cats, Pepper and Soy. Life eventually brought him and his family to Fargo, ND. Shortly before his death, Craig was blessed to become a grandfather to Samuel Lee Swenson, who shares his middle name.
Craig was a devout Christian and a proud life member of the VFW. He donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Padre Pio Foundation.
Craig is survived by his wife, children, parents, siblings and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Janine, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
The service will be held on June 13th, 2024, at 10 am at Boulger Funeral Home. The visitation will begin at 9 am. The officiant is Pastor Christopher Waldvogel of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Craig will be buried at the Fargo National Cemetery.
Lastly, Craig’s family would like to give thanks to the ER and ICU staff at Sanford for their care.
Services
Visitation - Thursday: June 13, 2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral Service - Thursday: June 13, 2024 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Burial - Thursday: June 13, 2024 1:00 pm
Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042
(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp
Thinking of you all and sending prayers and hugs. Love you.
Dale and Eleanore and Laurie Gilje
Gina and I were so sorry to hear about Craig. Our sincere condolences. Love and Hugs to the entire family. RIP Craig
My sympathies to the entire Gilje family.