Walter A. Solie, 88, Fertile, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Riverview Hospital in Crookston, MN, with loved ones by his side. He was waiting to reach his heavenly home.
Walter was born to Leonard Solie and Florence (Plante) Solie in rural Fertile, MN.
On June 23, 1956, Walter was united in marriage to Beatrice Nordby at the Methodist Church in Erskine, MN. They lived in several places around Fertile before buying the home farm.
Walter was an over the road trucker for 43 years, hauling grain and potatoes. Before trucking he hauled pulp wood and did sodding and dirt work at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and Highway 2.
In 2005 he quit trucking to stay home and provide care for his wife, who was suffering with severe arthritis. While at home he started gardening. Walter was an avid gardener and would take care of his garden perfectly, a weed was nowhere to be found. His joy in life was giving. He invited everyone he knew to come and pick vegetables out of his huge garden. All the work he did was tiring, but he loved it. His family would tell him to cut back the size of his garden, but he liked having it large, so he could share with others. Walter also enjoyed cutting wood, hard work did not bother him, he always said it was a good way for him to get exercise. He was out cutting wood and hauling it home 1 month before he became ill and passed away. He was always generous with that too, if anyone needed wood, he would give it away. Walter was kind and so caring for all family and special friends.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice; parents, Leonard and Florence Solie; father and mother in-law, Barney and Hattie Nordby; one brother; four sisters; seven brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.
He is survived by one brother, Willard; two sisters, Vanna Raaen and LaVonne (Merlin) Raaen, all of Fertile, MN; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Gulbranson and Joanne (Dave) Lyngholm; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service: 3:00 PM, Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery fund.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home of Fertile, Minnesota
