Emily Van Gieson

Emily Leandra Van Gieson, 76, of Lyman, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on November 3, 2025.

Born on September 24, 1949, in Missoula, Montana, Emily was the third of 14 children born to William and Blanche Wheeler. She grew up on a farm where she learned the value of hard work, often working alongside her siblings to move irrigation pipe, operate tractors, milk cows, and care for various animals. This upbringing helped shape her into the spirited, fun-loving person that everyone who knew her cherished.

Emily attended Catholic School in Missoula and graduated in 1968 from Sacred Heart Academy. It was there that she developed a deep love for books, a passion that would stay with her throughout her life. She went on to attend the University of Montana and continued her education with various courses over the years, always seeking to learn and grow.

In 1966, while visiting her older sister in Seattle, Emily met the love of her life, Lee Van Gieson, a young sailor. Despite her father's directive not to speak to sailors (or Mormons). Emily and Lee's connection was not immediate but four years later they were married in 1970 at St. Anthony Parish in Missoula, Montana. They went on to have three sons: Victor, Jayson, and Nathan. In 1977 they moved to Green River WY and later in 1979, the family settled in Lyman, Wyoming, where Emily formed a deep love for the Bridger Valley community.

Emily was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was baptized in 1975, and her faith played a central role in her life. She loved studying the Gospel and the scriptures, and she served in numerous callings throughout the years, including Relief Society President, Young Women's leader, Primary Teacher, and in various Scouting positions. Emily also devoted countless hours to genealogy and name extraction, even taking a memorable trip to Minnesota with her mother-in-law, Grandma Helen Van Gieson, and Sister Mary Van Gieson. Her organizational skills were recognized by the Lyman Stake, who asked her to help organize the Bridger Valley Pioneer Day Rodeo.

In addition to her church service, Emily had many hobbies that brought her joy. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for her boys and teaching others her craft. Emily loved to cook, and some of her fondest memories were spent teaching her family, especially her grandchildren, how to make homemade noodles and bake sugar cookies. A true adventurer at heart, Emily loved camping, beginning with humble tarp-and-ground stays and later exploring the country in various campers. She especially cherished playing card games and enjoying good company with her family and friends.

Emily enjoyed a variety of careers throughout her years in the Bridger Valley. She worked at Benedict's, and in the school lunchroom, and provided bookkeeping services for several local businesses. She later joined the Uinta County School District, where she worked in receiving. One of her proudest accomplishments was owning and operating her own bookstore, "The Book Cellar" located in the historic Johnson Hotel in Lyman. Emily eventually retired from the Town of Lyman Clerk's Office, where she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and friendly spirit.

Emily was known for her playful and lighthearted nature. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Those who knew her were often on the receiving end of a prank or a good-natured joke-always done with love, of course. Her ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her will be deeply missed.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, William and Blanche Wheeler; her brother, William Wheeler Jr.; and her sisters, Dorothy Wheeler and Bridget Wheeler. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Bayard and Helen Van Gieson, and brothers-in-law Victor Van Gieson and Robert King.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Lee Van Gieson; and her three sons, Victor (Heather) Van Gieson, Jayson Van Gieson, and Nathan (Amy) Van Gieson. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary (brother in-law Robert) Van Gieson, Francis King, Katherine (Tim) Hammond, Michelle (Pete) Wilkins, and Julie (Wayne) Maxwell; and her brothers, Thomas Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, Joseph (Linda) Wheeler, John Wheeler, and Peter Wheeler. Additional surviving family members include sisters-in-law Yvonne Wheeler and Leslie (Darren) Brooksby; brother-in-law Avery (Michelle) Van Gieson; 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 127 North Main Street, Lyman, Wyoming 82937. A viewing will be held the evening before, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the same location.