John R Solie
John R. Solie
(17 Oct 1938 – 18 Feb 2024)
On February 18th John Solie passed away in his favorite place, his home, in his favorite town on earth, Durand WI.
John Solie was raised in Augusta WI, by Truman and Margaret Solie along with his brother Arthur Solie. He was a graduate of Augusta High School, and the First Eagle Scout in the county, even holding a triple Order of the Arrow.
In 1958, while walking down the street with his brother Art, he spotted Linda Oberding from across the street. It was love at first sight and a love that would last both of their lifetimes.
In 1959 he married Linda. While attending the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, and working, John and Linda became the parents of Michael and James (59, 61).
In 1962, John, while working hard and supporting his growing family, graduated from University of Wisconsin at River Falls with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He settled in Durand, and started at Bauer Built in 1963, being employee number 3. There he attained the title of Credit Manager, and with the staunch loyalty of a packer fan, John worked at Bauer Built the rest of his career. In 1968, the family expanded with a third son, Karl. After almost 40 years at Bauer Built, John retired to enjoy the good life with the quiet community of Durand.
John loved the people of Durand, and the beautiful land that is Wisconsin. To him, it was the simple things; The cashier that called you by name, a great day fishing on Lake Eau Galle, or the Rush River, or an afternoon hunting the peaceful valleys of Pepin and Dunn. Fun Fest in the Beer Tent with neighbors and friends, always being the one that was quick with a joke. He learned new sports like golf and loved nine or eighteen holes at any golf course.
And the exuberance of being with generations of his family and friends as he watched the Packers bring back home the Vince Lombardi trophy, twice. It seems unfair to condense a man’s entire life down to a couple of paragraphs. But in the short space we have, that was John Solie, our father.
John was preceded in ascendance by his father and mother, Truman and Margaret Solie, and his brother Dr. Arthur Solie. And more recently his wife of nearly 60 years, Linda.
He is survived by his three sons and their families. Michael and Linda Solie and their three sons, Jeremy, Joshua, and Nicholas. James and Heather Solie and their two sons Jacob and Erik. Karl and Sandra Solie, and their two daughters Amanda and Paige.
Memorial Services will be 11:00AM Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with Pastor Dan Richardson officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in the Town of Union, rural Plum City. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of services at the funeral home.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.