Wilma Jean (Hanson) Sachtjen was born on July 29, 1943 to William and Agnes Hanson.  From day 1, Wilma was destined to persevere.  Born premature, not expected to live long and small enough to sleep in a dresser drawer, she defied the odds and live she did.  Just 2 weeks short of her 80th birthday on July 14, 2023, Wilma passed on to join her family in Heaven.  For nearly 80 years, Wilma Jean had what one could proudly call 'A life well lived'.

Though Wilma's life was not an easy one in many ways, she persevered and was often referred to as 'one of the strongest women I know'.  Or as one of her granddaughters would say, "Grandma was a savage" (said lovingly and with admiration).

Wilma's father William passed away when she was just 6.  She and her mother Agnes were a solo pair for many years, most of which they lived in Burke, SD. She also told many stories of living with Agnes' mother, fondly called Nam, and spending time with her Uncle Robert and many cousins.

Wilma graduated from Burke High School in 1961 and married Robert Gnirk Sr on June 13, 1961.  To this union, 5 children were born.  Robert Jr (Bobby), Bart Douglas, Barbi Jo, Rebecca Danielle (Becky) and Beau James.  Bob and Wilma raised the kids on the family farm NE of Burke, SD.  Sadly, Bart and Beau preceded Wilma in death.  Bart died at the age of 22 in 1986 and Beau died at the tender age of 1 in 1980, both from unexpected and tragic farm accidents.

Wilma loved being a mother and was very proud of her children.  She raised them all to be strong, independent, intelligent and successful.  She taught them to work hard, whether on the farm or in the home.  She gave them all a solid set of skills from working with farm animals and various 4H projects, to gardening, baking and cooking.

She set an excellent example for her children by returning to college late in her life, learning a new skill and starting a new career. She did this while working, taking care of household and raising her children.  It was in her 40's that Wilma went back to school and received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Sinte Gleska College.  While studying at Sinte, Wilma embraced the Native American culture and enjoyed taking her children to Rosebud for pow wows. After graduating she went on to work with the Head/Home start program in the Burke, Gregory, Bonesteel areas and Yankton, SD.  Wilma helped give many young kids a solid start to their education, always in a fun and loving way.  I'm sure many have fond memories of Wilma and making 'putty' out of glue and starch.

On August 10, 1990, Wilma remarried.  She and Marlin Sachtjen had a long happy union with many adventures.  They owned/managed the LongBranch restaurant and saloon, in Burke, SD for many years.  Shortly after getting married, they moved to Yankton and ran Phinney's, another great restaurant and bar.  The appeal for small town living eventually drew them back to Burke to manage the LongBranch again.  All the while, Wilma continued her job with Head Start.

Wilma and Marlin loved going to the Missouri River to fish and camp.  They did this often.  And after retiring, they took off down the road and visited many places and explored while pulling their camper all over the states.  They would often stop and stay awhile where the kids and grandkids resided, which was always fun and welcomed.  They spent a few winters in Arizona and Texas and saw many sights across our great country.  Wilma was even able travel to Japan to meet her first granddaughter with Barbi and her family.  She enjoyed experiencing new cultures so consequently later both Wilma and Marlin were thrilled to take two granddaughters to France to visit Becky for a few weeks.

Wilma loved animals, especially her little dogs.  Through the years she had many beloved little poodles, schnauzers, or mutts.  Dogs weren't the only animals that benefited from Wilma's kind heart. She often had several cats hanging around the place and one year she even chose to raise a litter of kittens on behalf of one of her granddaughters.  They all got lots of love and affection from Wilma.  A few of their dogs were lucky enough to travel the country with Marlin and Wilma.

Family time was extremely important to Wilma. Her kids and grandkids have many fond memories of camping trips and holiday time spent with Grandma Wilma.  Each of her grandkids have memories of summer times spent with Grandma and Papa Marlin.  Wilma recognized the value of getting on a child's level, always ready to listen, drink coffee on a saucer and make play dough or silly putty with her grandchildren. Wilma was also blessed to love 3 great grandkids in her lifetime.

Wilma had a big heart that blessed many in the community of Burke and beyond.  She taught her children what true love and acceptance were through her own actions.  Wilma recognized the importance of loving people without judgement, choosing to see their individual intrinsic value, dignity & worth.  She also had a feisty spirit that kept her going through the tough times.  She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, friend and lived some big adventures, all while always being available to help and support anyone in need.  In reflection, hers was truly A Life Well Lived.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marlin Sachtjen and her two sons Bart and Beau.  She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her children; Robert Gnirk Jr and wife JaNell of Burke, SD; Barbi Law and husband Jon of Schertz, TX and Rebecca Mitchell of Douglass, KS; 7 grandchildren; Bart Russell Gnirk (wife Jessie), Garth Gnirk (wife Kayla), Chance Gnirk (wife Katie), Lacee Law, Maranda Jean Mitchell, Sareena Law and Codi Rae Mitchell; 3 great grandchildren; Heidi Gnirk, Cole Gnirk and Liam Gnirk.  Also adopted daughter Wendy Broome (husband Wade and son Jay) and step-granddaughter Jordyn Chandler (husband Bryce and children Miya, Liam, Keaghan and Harley Jean).  Wilma was also claimed by and will be missed by many others, too numerous to mention because her heart expanded for as many as would let her love them.

Wilma's family would be honored if you would join them for a Celebration of Life for Wilma on Saturday September 2nd, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Buryanek Bay Bunkhouse Lodge.  A memorial service with food and fellowship to follow will occur.  Please come and share your stories about Wilma and honor her memory.