Solem, Randy Scott 1953 - 2019
SOLEM, HAUGEN, SWANSON, CASTERTON, GIBBONS, MCGEE, WALMSLEY, BIGALK, THORNTON, SEATON, ISTAD, LEYSE
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/8/2019 at 14:15:20
Randy S. Solem passed away Sunday morning, May 12, 2019, at his home in Decorah, IA at the age of 66.
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Decorah with Rev. Chad Huebner officiating. Inurnment will be in Canoe Ridge Cemetery.
Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 16, one and a half hours before the service, at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church.
Randy Scott Solem was born February 18, 1953 to Curtis and Geraldine (Haugen) Solem of Decorah, Iowa. They lived on an acreage on Canoe Ridge blacktop near Decorah where Randy attended country school. Randy was baptized and confirmed at Canoe Ridge Church. He moved with his family to town at the beginning of fifth grade and attended Decorah Public Schools, graduating from Decorah High School in 1972. After graduation he attended Area One Technical School and became a brick mason; later earning his journeyman status. After Randy’s masonry career he worked at Wapsie Produce as a field service technician, a long haul truck driver, and most recently a lead for environmental services at Winneshiek Medical Center. Randy was known for being both a dedicated and loyal employee and helped others through team building and sacrifice.
He met his future wife, Linda, in Decorah during Nordic Fest which led to a candlelight wedding at First Lutheran Church on November 12, 1977. Randy and Linda began a family and had four children; David, Sarah, Daniel, and Matthew. Randy joined First Lutheran Church in 1982 as a full time member. He held various church committee positions throughout the years and volunteered whenever able. He was a devoted husband and father who found strength in our Lord God whom guided him throughout his life.
Randy was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. He always looked forward to spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed helping with the grandkids and dog-sitting. He loved spending time outdoors, working on the lawn, fishing with the grandkids, boating, and golfing. Some of our fondest memories of Randy include our annual vacations to Spirit Lake, debating current events, and playing card games. Randy was always welcoming, outgoing, and humble; and his laugh was infectious.
Randy is survived by his wife Linda Solem (whom he knew as his rock) of Decorah; four children: David (Chelsea) Solem of Decorah, IA, Sarah (Michael) Casterton of Decorah, IA, Daniel (Haley Gibbons) Solem of West Des Moines, IA, and Matthew (BreAnne) Solem of Prior Lake, MN; six grandchildren Kale, Kelton, Brynn, Drake, Rayne, Rylee, and future son of David and Chelsea; father- and mother-in-law John and Mary Swanson of Sibley, IA, brother-in-law Rick (Lisa) Swanson of Jacksonville, FL, sister-in-law Lisa (Larry) McGee of Norwich, CT, sister-in-law Kristin (Bill) Walmsley of Ocheyedan, IA, aunts Kay Bigalk of Harmony, MN., Delores Thornton of Decorah, and nieces and nephews Brandy, Jonathon, Andrew, Lily, and Will.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Geraldine Solem; grandparents Gjermund and Marie Haugen, and Melvin and Clara Solem; and several aunts and uncles Arlene (Charles) Seaton, Curtis Haugen, Marilyn (Charles) Istad, Kenneth Bigalk, Glen Thornton, and Shirley (Donny) Leyse.
The family would like to thank all of the friends and family for their support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church c/o building fund or the American Heart Association.
Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database
Canoe Ridge Lutheran Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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