Gayle D. Lilya, age 82, of Virginia and formerly of Tower, MN, died Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Essentia Health – St. Mary's in Duluth peacefully with family at her side.  She was born September 6, 1937, in Tower the daughter of Roy and Irene (Mickelson) Sjoberg.  She was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School.  Gayle was united in marriage to William J. Lilya June 2, 1962 at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tower.

Gayle worked as a homemaker.  She also worked at the Tower Dress shop and at Fingerhut.  She was a member of St. James Presbyterian Church.  Gayle enjoyed spending time with her family and always had a tasty home-cooked meal waiting for them.  She also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Lake Vermilion.

Gayle is survived by her husband: Bill; sons: Scott (Amy) Lilya of Chaska, MN, and Michael (Stacy) Lilya of Blaine, MN; a sister: Joy Raudio of Mound, MN; Grandchildren Molly, Andrea, Joseph, Lindsay, and Landon Lilya; and numerous extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Roy and Terry; and special friends: Sandy Moraski and Mary Kilpila.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Memorial Service Saturday, December 7, 2019, at St. James Presbyterian Church in Tower.  Pastor Doug Workman will officiate.  Inurnment will be at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower.  Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower.  To express condolences on-line please see:  www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.