Lloyd Allen Solberg

Lloyd Solberg, age 91, passed into eternal life on March 20th, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis Solberg, age 89.

Lloyd was born in Iola, Wisconsin on November 7, 1922, where he grew up, went to school and worked on the family farm. He is preceded in death by his parents Erick and Nannie Solberg. He served his country faithfully as a member of America's "greatest generation" during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in the European Theater - B company, 66th Infantry, and 12th Armored Division.

After the war, he returned to Iola, where he worked on his Uncle Ole Nelson's farm and later operated a sawmill. He married his life-long partner, Phyllis Helgeson, on August 17, 1947. Later he went to vocational school, learning carpentry, which became his chosen profession. Lloyd and Phyllis eventually settled in West Allis where they raised four children. Lloyd spent many of his working years with Voss/Hrdlicka and later A. Guenther & Sons Construction companies in West Allis, as both carpenter and project superintendent.

Lloyd had a deep commitment to the work of the Lord. He did much of that work with his heart, as a visitation counselor and Stephen minister at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church. He also served as an usher and on a number of church boards. He also got to do the Lord's work with his hands, as he applied his carpentry skills to the construction of many churches, of many religions, all around the Milwaukee area.

Lloyd was an avid hunter, who seldom missed the annual "Deer Hunt" with his sons, brothers, grandchildren, other family members, and his life-long friend Allen Berge in Waupaca and Portage Counties. He also loved to fish, whether it was netting for smelt at Lake Michigan, trolling for walleyes in Ontario, or fly-fishing for trout in Flume Creek back at home near Iola in Waupaca County.

Waupaca County was always Lloyd's "homeland." Many of his family and friends still live there. A large number of Norwegians settled in the area, and Lloyd always remained loyal to his roots and his culture (and torsk recipes!). In Milwaukee he served as president of Fosselyngen Lodge of Sons of Norway.

Lloyd is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; and four children - Dr. Lloyd (Jayne) E. Solberg (Sioux Falls, SD), Leslie (Carol) Solberg (Stevens Point, WI), Kathryn Solberg (West Allis, WI), and Vickie (Joe) Rink (West Allis, WI). He is also survived by brothers Emery (Nancy) Solberg (Northfield, MN) and Orin (Irene) Solberg (Bloomington, MN); and sister Doris (James) Miller (Tampa, FL); and many other relatives and friends. Deceased siblings include brothers Clarence, Hilmar, Myron, Orin Henry and Alton; and sisters Ruth Brocker and Marcella Anderson.

Lloyd has six grandchildren who he cherished and one great-grandchild. They will miss him dearly.

Special thanks to Aurora Healthcare, Lexington Heritage and Compassionate Care Hospice for the wonderful and dedicated care given, and to the pastoral and congregational visits and prayers of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Mt. Hope Lutheran Church.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at MT. HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 8633 West Becher Street, West Allis, on Friday, April 11, at 4:00 PM until time of Memorial Service at 6:00 PM.

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