Gerald (Jerry) Nels Solem, age 82, life-long resident of Forest Lake, MN passed away Sunday morning, 12/19/2021, from complications of the corona virus.
Jerry was born February 27th, 1939. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Angelica (Hauble) Solem, brother, Alan Solem, nieces, Brenda Solem and Peggy Ann Paige and numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judith (Warnkvist) Solem, children, Nels Solem of St. Paul, MN and Nancy Ratemo of Sterling, IL, and grand-daughter, Hannah Hawley (Eliyah Hawley) of Nashwauk, MN, sisters, Joyce Guttsen and Claire Solem, nephew, Kenneth Guttsen, nieces, Alana Solem, Kerri Rude, and Krista Flynn and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and great nieces and nephew.
Jerry graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1958. He would be the first to say that he wasn’t a great student, however he enjoyed the high school experience. He was on the varsity football team and had many friends, some of which he maintained contact throughout the years and even continued to meet a group of them for a weekly breakfast.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1958-1961, during relative peace time. He often talked about how being in the Navy allowed him to see different parts of the world. Toward the end of his Naval career, he was a crew member on the Santa Ana, one of the 5 naval ships that was deployed to Cuba for the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
His love of cars started at an early age. When he was 12, he had a job lining up cars at a used car lot and at the age of 15, he negotiated terms at the Forest Lake State Bank to purchase his first car. He was always involved in car clubs, which started with a high school group of enthusiasts called the Spinners. This and his natural ability to work with his hands lead him to St. Paul Vocational where he completed training in autobody repair. He took a job at Midway Chevrolet, where he was a “body man” for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Northern Lights Car Club, MSRA (Minnesota Street Rod Association), as well as the car clubs and events in AZ. He owned many cars over the years, but most would recognize his 1940 Chev coupe, 1936 Ford, and 1984 El Camino.
In 1963, he married Judy Warnkvist. In 1964 they purchased their first home across from the former Forest Lake High School; a home that Jerry watched being built as a kid. They raised their family there and still call it home during the summer months. After retiring, Jerry and Judy became snow-birds, and landed at Fountain of the Sun community, in Mesa, Arizona, where they have lived for 7 years. They have enjoyed making many new friends and memories in their home away from home.
My dad was a very friendly, gregarious person that was full of laughter and love for his family and friends. His faith as a Christian was reflected in the way he lived, provided as a husband and father, and how he treated people. In 2000, my dad suffered a heart attack where his heart stopped and he had to be revived. After that experience, he began celebrating his second birthday. He was thankful for the opportunity to live to see his grand-daughter born, grow up and get married. We too are thankful for the extra 21 years that we were able to have him in our lives. Now we will be celebrating his third birthday. He would want everyone to appreciate the life they have been given here on earth, but also know that God has prepared a better place for us in Heaven… Jesus has already paid the price for our admission… you just have to believe.
Services will be at 2:00pm Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Fountain of the Sun Activity Center, 540 S 80th St, Mesa, AZ 85208.
We will miss Jerry. He would visit every year.
Beautifully-written obituary. Our family always enjoyed Jerry. He could always visit with you about anything and you knew he cared about what you had to say. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He will surely be missed. We send our love and condolences to the family. Gale Peterson, Christian & Sue Froschheuser & Family
I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Jerry for the past 21 years as a member of the Northern Lights Car Club. I can certainly agree with your comment that he always had a smile on his face. His friendly and pleasant demeanor always made it fun to chat with him at car
club events. I’ll miss him.
Jerry was a great guy, he worked for our company midway Chevrolet , he was a wonderful employee and liked by all.he had a great sense of humor as well as a loyal employee.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Tom Krebsbach
Judy and family, our condolences on your loss, but the assurance he has preceded you into heaven. On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Jerry’s military service to our country in the Navy.