Sheila Windjue lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep loyalty, and a generous heart that made everyone around her feel cared for.

Sheila, daughter of Arthur and Norma (Armentrout) Skramstad, was born on May 4, 1950, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Born and raised in the Devils Lake community, she grounded her life in hard work, family, and service to others. She grew up helping on the family farm and enjoyed playing the clarinet alongside her father and siblings. In her senior year of high school, she received the John Philip Sousa Award.

At the center of Sheila’s life was family. She married Gerald Grafsgaard in 1969 and welcomed their daughter, Vickie Lynn, with whom she shared a close and lifelong bond.

Sheila married Rich Windjue on February 23, 1979, and together they blended their families, welcoming his daughter Janelle. He was the love of her life, and together they built a home centered on family, friends, and community. Sheila seemed to know everyone in Devils Lake and rarely went anywhere without stopping to visit. She loved hosting and attending gatherings and staying closely connected to the people around her.

Sheila’s daughters, Vickie and Janelle, were her source of pride, and she treasured time with her grandchildren. She stayed involved, showed up for important moments, and was always there when they needed her.

In 1971, she began a remarkable 46-year career at Western State Bank. Over the decades, she became a trusted presence for generations of customers, helping families buy their first homes, refinance during difficult seasons, and plan for their futures. She valued the relationships she built, and customers relied on her steady guidance, warmth, and integrity.

Sheila’s care for others extended far beyond her work. She often checked in, remembered the small details, and made people feel seen. She had an easy warmth and, when needed, a look or smile that said everything without a word. If something needed doing, she was there.

She left us too soon and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her family is especially grateful to the doctors and care team at Essentia Health in Fargo for the kindness and compassion they showed her.

Sheila is survived by her husband Rich Windjue, children, Vickie (Josh) Cofer of Dickinson, ND, and Janelle (Scott) Kisow of Orange, CA; five grandchildren, Alexa Cofer, Jace Cofer, Jake Kisow, Cole Kisow, and Alexandra Kisow; her sister Denise (Perry) Garske of Devils Lake, ND; her brother Blair Skramstad of Des Moines, IA; and sister Lesa Kraft of Devils Lake; in-laws Denny (Rose) Windjue of Devils Lake, ND, Suzanne (Tom) Walter of Savannah, GA, Roger (Paula) Windjue of Devils Lake, ND, Les (Karn) Windjue of Devils Lake, ND, Phil (Lisa) Windjue of Fargo, ND, Laurie Haugen of Red Lodge, MT; and her many cherished nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Norma Skramstad, and her sister, Waneen (Skramstad) Stout, Rich’s parents Leland and Cecelia Windjue, his brother Kenny Windjue and brother-in-law Loren “Buster” Haugen.

Funeral Services will be held on May 9th, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Olaf Church. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery following the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sheila’s life.

Sheila Windjue of Devils Lake passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND at the age of 75.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be directed to Hospice, Food Pantry of your choice or plant a tree in memory of Sheila. If you are ordering other memorial gifts, they will not be delivered until the funeral services in May. 

Sheila is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake