Gladys Mae Solberg, age 90, passed away October 10, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point.
She was born on June 28, 1924 in Spokane, Washington and moved to Seattle the same year and lived there for 13 years. She moved to Billings, Helena, and Missoula. She moved 9 times while she was in the 8th grade. She spent four years in Missoula and graduated from Los Gatos Union High School on June 17, 1943.
Gladys moved to Spokane to be with her sister who was separated from her husband. She was just a typing test away from graduating from a business college when her mom divorced her dad and they both moved out, leaving her sister, her two little girls, and mom. She quit school and got a job at the air base and worked there for 2 ½ years.
When the war was over, she went to work in town and then on the 14th of February 1946; she met Eugene Solberg. He had just returned from 3 ½ years in a Japanese prison camp. They married 3 months later, May 18, 1946 and moved to Wolf Point. He built the house on the corner of 4th Avenue North and Eureka Street where they lived for 23 years.
In 1969, they divorced. Mom moved to Platteville, Wisconsin in 1972 but moved back to Wolf Point thereafter.
She worked at Ben Franklin’s as a manager in the sewing and craft department until she retired and also helped at the store until they closed. For a time she helped Arnie and Mary Jo Solberg’s Christian book store “Son Mountain Christian Book Store” in Wolf Point. She had very many special friends and church family. She was a Cub Scout den mother. She was known as “Church Grandma” by many children. She will be missed dearly here on earth. She was known to move Heaven and Earth, both spiritually and physically to offer support to all of her kids all of the time. Gladys was a “Prayer Warrior.”
She was involved in sewing, all crafts, artistry, and always enjoyed being with her family and friends. She was always willing to teach arts and crafts to others.
Gladys is survived by a daughter Phillis (Bernie) Hydra of Welland, Ontario; she is survived by her sons John (Sharon) Solberg of Lutz, Florida, Gary Solberg of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Arnie (Mary Jo) Solberg of Williston, North Dakota, Bill (Lynn) Solberg of Laurel, Montana, Rick Solberg of Ruth, Nevada, and Greg (Ceceilia) Solberg of Wolf Point. Gladys is survived by her sister Laura (Will) Sugden of Platteville, WI and niece Beverly (Nick) Johansen of Platteville. She is survived by her niece Linda Boysun of Vida. Gladys is survived by 23 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Richardson and Lucy Mae McCollum. She was preceded in death by her daughter Laurie Solberg Cairy and ex-husband Eugene Solberg. She was preceded in death by 1 nephew Arnold Boysun, 1 great grandson Trenton Cooper and 1 great nephew Frank Johansen.
Gladys’ family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Faith Lutheran Home for your T.L.C. Also we would like to thank all the “Prayer Warriors” who always remembered our Mother and our family. God Bless You!
Robin Schock says
Dear Greg, Cecelia, Alex and family,
I’m so sad for your loss. What a dear lady Gladys was. I will always remember her from the Ben Franklin days. And I remember visits with her at Son Mountain. The picture you picked for her obituary is so perfect. That is the Gladys I picture in my mind. Always that smile for everyone. Her faith was strong, and I know she will be in Heaven waiting for us all, but it is still so sad to let her go from this earth. My heart goes out to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Take care,
Robin Schock
Daniel, Noreen, & Gabreal Hohman says
Our condolences at the loss of your mom
Mercy Radiology says
Arnie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mom’s are very special people and will always be in your heart. Treasure the memories.
hugs from your “work family”
Carma Bartel says
My prayers are with the Solberg family in your loss. I am blessed to have known Gladys, working for her at the Corner Boutique fabric store. I will remember her kindness and prayers, her sense of humor, her laugh, her passion for her favorite football team (and her heckling of those who disagreed with her)…she was the best! Carma and Rod Bartel
Mike and Terri (Peters) Schlicht says
Greg, Cec, Arnie, Mary Jo, Billy and Family…
Heart felt and deepest condolences to your family during this time of grieving. Rejoice in the life that your Mother had and the love she bestowed upon your families. Cherish all the memories of love, laughter and that twinkle in her eyes. Love from the both of us.
Brian Azure, Sr. says
Gary, Arnie & Family, I was saddened to hear about your mother’s passing, but at the same time, I know that she has arrived at the place we are all striving to reach. You will be in my prayers in the days to come.
Joyce (Jackley) Baer says
Phillis, John, Gary, Arnie, Bill, Rick and Greg,
It is always hard to lose our Mothers, you are so blessed to have had her for so long! May it be a comfort to know that others are lifting you up to the Throne of Grace.
John Skillman says
Gladys was a dear lady and always tried to help anyone whoever they may have been.
I remember her days at the Christian book store when she was always ready to talk and
encourage in whatever way she could. Scripture assures us that God is our comfort in the Lord Jesus 2 Corinthians 1.3-5 and we have found that so true. May the Lord be your
peace as you find yourselves missing her. John and Sharon Skillman
Mona Fast says
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. Also glad you have the sure Hope of seeing her again because of Jesus. Terry and Mona Fast
Thelma (Hill) Cuff` says
Hello cousins, we have never met, but I just read your mothers obituary on the co;mpuiter. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have known her. I am your Aunt Elines daughter. She passed away in October of 1992. Our parents were never able to get us together when we were younger. I have missed out on knowing all of you. I hope we can remedy this one day. My address is 19263 Birchwood Drive, Caldwell,Idaho 83607. My phone no. is 208-454-1948. Love to you all, ThelmaCuff July 22, 2015
Carol Gage says
I have often thought about Ms. Solberg over the years. I am saddened to see she is no longer with us. I was a friend of Laurie’s and got to know your mom while she was with Laurie in Freeport. I think of my friend Laurie often as well. I still truly
miss her ❤️