1928
John
2017
John J. Solem
March 25, 1928 — February 11, 2017
John J. Solem passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, with his wife and family at his bedside.
John was born on March 25, 1928 in Soldiers Grove, Wisc. to Lloyd and Olga Solem. He grew up in Decorah, Iowa. At the age of 18 he joined the Army. After returning home he met and married his wife of 68 years, Virginia (Haney). They moved to Rochester in 1956, where John went to work for the Rochester Public School System. He was employed there until his retirement in 1988 from his position as the Administrator of Maintenance. John enjoyed working. He often said working was his "hobby". He was an excellent carpenter and did extensive work on his own homes as well as the homes of his children. He was always available to family and friends who needed help with any job.
After retirement John and Virginia travelled extensively in their motorhome along with John's brother, Gordon, and his wife, Joyce. They had many wonderful travel experiences and made many memories together.
In addition to his wife, Virginia, John leaves behind three daughters, Kathy (Conway) Jacobson of Zumbrota, Patricia (James) Thiel of Rochester, and Avis (Tony) Erickson of Zumbrota; seven grandchildren, Shannon, Angela, Matthew, Kristin, Michael, Israel and Evan; fifteen great-grandchildren; two siblings, Donald Solem of Oronoco and Grace Barker of Omaha, Nebraska and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tillman and Gordon; and two sisters, Marie Runge and LaVonne Davidson.
John will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was adored by his grandchildren and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial gathering will be held at Mahn Funeral Home in Rochester on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm with a luncheon immediately following. Burial will be in Oak Wood Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be directed to John's favorite charitable organization, the Salvation Army.
1624 37th Street. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
John was born on March 25, 1928 in Soldiers Grove, Wisc. to Lloyd and Olga Solem. He grew up in Decorah, Iowa. At the age of 18 he joined the Army. After returning home he met and married his wife of 68 years, Virginia (Haney). They moved to Rochester in 1956, where John went to work for the Rochester Public School System. He was employed there until his retirement in 1988 from his position as the Administrator of Maintenance. John enjoyed working. He often said working was his "hobby". He was an excellent carpenter and did extensive work on his own homes as well as the homes of his children. He was always available to family and friends who needed help with any job.
After retirement John and Virginia travelled extensively in their motorhome along with John's brother, Gordon, and his wife, Joyce. They had many wonderful travel experiences and made many memories together.
In addition to his wife, Virginia, John leaves behind three daughters, Kathy (Conway) Jacobson of Zumbrota, Patricia (James) Thiel of Rochester, and Avis (Tony) Erickson of Zumbrota; seven grandchildren, Shannon, Angela, Matthew, Kristin, Michael, Israel and Evan; fifteen great-grandchildren; two siblings, Donald Solem of Oronoco and Grace Barker of Omaha, Nebraska and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tillman and Gordon; and two sisters, Marie Runge and LaVonne Davidson.
John will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was adored by his grandchildren and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial gathering will be held at Mahn Funeral Home in Rochester on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm with a luncheon immediately following. Burial will be in Oak Wood Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be directed to John's favorite charitable organization, the Salvation Army.
Visitation
FEB 15. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CST)
Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel1624 37th Street. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
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