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Solberg, Rev. Clarence W.

“My Friend”, that was Clarence’s greeting to everyone he met! Clarence was born June 21, 1917, to Erick and Nannie Solberg in Iola, WI. He graduated from Iola High School, Wisconsin State University and Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN. In 1945 Pastor Solberg was ordained into the Lutheran ministry. For a period of over 60 years, Clarence served seven congregations. His churches included Trinity Lutheran, Sparta, WI; United Lutheran, Oak Park, IL; Grace Lutheran, Clearwater, FL (founder of new home mission church); and Bethany Lutheran, Suitland, MD. After retiring, he served as visitation pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran, Fairfax, VA, and Woodlake Lutheran, Richfield, MN. During his ministry, Pastor Solberg also served on the Board of Youth Activities and the Board of Home Missions for the Evangelical Lutheran Church and served 12 years on the Board of Trustees for the American Lutheran Church. Both churches were predecessors to the now Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). On June 20, 1942, Clarence was married to Jeanette Halvorson. Clarence is survived by his wife, Jeanette; children, James (Rebecca) Solberg of Jacksonville, FL, Jane (Mark) Madsen, of Bloomington, MN; Joel (Donna) Solberg, of Brandywine, MD, and Jon (Lori) Solberg, of Elkridge, MD. They have 7 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren. Clarence is also survived by brothers, Lloyd (Phyllis), of West Allis, WI; Orin (Irene) of Bloomington, MN; Emery (Nancy) of Northfield, MN; and Alton, Longwood, FL; sister, Doris (James) Miller, of Tampa, FL. Clarence was preceded in death by son, John Rolf (infant); granddaughter, Kelly Jeanette-Madsen; brothers, Orin Emery (infant), Hilmar and Myron; and sisters, Marcella Anderson and Ruth Brocker. In their almost 70 years of marriage, Clarence and Jeanette visited 22 countries and most states of the U.S. Clarence passed away peacefully on the morning of March 13, 2012, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington. During his almost 95 years, Pastor Solberg was a friend to all and greeted people graciously and sincerely. He always thanked everyone for their care, their help, and their friendship. Goodbye, My Friend! The celebration of Pastor Solberg’s life was held on Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 AM at Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S., Richfield. Visitation was from 4:00-6:30 PM Friday at Morris Nilsen Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave S., Richfield, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials to Woodlake Lutheran Church. Morris Nilsen Chapel www.morrisnilsen.com

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