Ralph Duane Solem of Baxter, MN, died on September 30, 2022 at home surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather for one hour prior to the service. Interment with veteran honors will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Live stream available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm0lNVK3VfI
Born in Oslo, MN on January 14, 1935, he spent four years in the Air Force stationed in Germany. He farmed for 20 years in the Oslo area. In 1979, he moved with his family to Fargo, ND where he lived and worked as a salesman. He moved to Baxter in 1989 where he lived until his death. While he lived in Baxter he used his farmer’s ingenuity for upkeep and fixing things around the area.
He was the leading force in the recovery of the sunken parts from the steamboat FRAM near Oslo, MN.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
He is survived by Darlyne, his wife of 63 years; brother, Gaylord (Patty) Solem of Grafton, ND; brothers-in-law, Ralph Bjorgaard of Sac City, IA, Jim (Pat) Bjorgaard of Warren, MN; sister-in-law, Pauline Bjorgaard of Newfolden, MN; daughters, Kristi (Nick) Scorcio of Fond du lac, WI, Marti (Curt) Steiner Eagle, NE, and Melissa O’Day (Brainerd, MN); and his son, Joey (Denton, TX); his former daughter-in-law, Kathie Waldron of Inver Grove Heights, MN; grandchildren, Micah (Arianne Baldomero) Scorcio, Marshall, Luke and Mariah Scorcio (Chance Parrish), Elliot, Abigail, Esther and Ethan Steiner, Vanessa (Devin Christiansen), Jordan and Joshua Jarmuzek, Trent and Evan Lichtsinn and Tiffani Wooden; five great grandchildren Sebastian, Katrina, Ada, Eli and Sophie; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Esther (Olson) Solem; brothers, Elton and Donald Solem; sister, Ila Lind; and son, Randy.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, ability to fix just about anything and his loving care of his family.
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