Curtis Merrill Solem

Curtis M. Solem, age 81, of Decorah, Iowa, died Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, WI. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church, rural Decorah By Rev. Douglas L. Mathison with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and an hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the church. Curtis Merrill Solem was born January 14, 1926 to Melvin and Clara (Young) Solem. He was baptized at United Lutheran Church in Locust, IA on February 14, 1926 and later confirmed. He attended rural schools in Winneshiek County. Curtis was married to Geraldine Haugen on August 12, 1951 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church. To this union one child was born, a son Randy. For many years, Curt picked up cream and milk from local farmers and delivered it to area creameries. In 1963 he became an employee of Thornton’s Feed and Grain. After forty years of service, Curtis retired in 2003. Curt was a busy guy. Between caring for his wife, spending time with family and playing with the neighbor kids, he still found time to fulfill his hobbies. He loved fishing, singing and playing the guitar. In the winter months, he put many challenging puzzles together while still taking time to care for his fish and the birds. He especially loved spending time with his grandkids. Curtis was a social person who enjoyed making conversation with all. Survivors include his wife Geraldine of Decorah, one son, Randy (Linda) Solem of Decorah, four grandchildren David Solem of Decorah, Sarah (Michael) Casterton of Decorah, Daniel Solem of Des Moines, IA., and Matthew (BreAnne) Solem of Fredericksburg, IA, two sisters, DeLoris (Glen) Thornton of Decorah and Shirley (Donald) Leyse of Cedar Rapids and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.