Solveig I. Huerstel

On April 25, 1924, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a daughter was born to Christ and Atchi Istad. They named her Solveig Irene; Solveig meaning “Sunny way” in Norwegian. She was their first child, but was later joined by a brother, Gordon. Solveig was raised in Minneapolis, attended Salem Evangelical Free Church and eventually enrolled and graduated from Minnehaha Academy. She worked for the Minneapolis Board of Education, and then joined the Civil Service and with a friend, Shirley, and traveled to Germany to work after WW II. There she met a handsome young Second Lieutenant in the Air Force named William (Bill) Huerstel. They were able to travel extensively while overseas and take movies of their adventures. These became precious memories. On March 29, 1949 Solveig and Bill were married stateside back at Solveig's home church. Bill remained in the Air Force for a total of twenty years. While stationed in Las Vegas, Bill and Solveig went forward in a Nazarene Church service and made personal commitments to the Lord. Sherilyn was also born in Las Vegas. Eugene was born while they were stationed in Big Spring, Texas. Next, they were transferred to Houston. Finally, they were stationed in Japan where Solveig acquired much of her home decor and even learned some Japanese cooking which she used for entertaining back in the U.S. Bill retired in 1960 as an Air Force Major and they moved to Forest Lake. They bought acreage east of Forest Lake on Sylvan Lake. There they built a home and raised their family, attending Grace Alliance Church where they both faithfully served the Lord; Solveig in the WMPF (Women's Missionary Prayer Fellowship) and Bill on the Board. It was at Grace Alliance that Eugene was married to Peggy, and Sherilyn to Steve Litzkow. Grand children were born, first Trevor and Tara, then Janelle and Blake. Bill made his living as a state appraiser and Solveig dabbled in Avon and Shaklee, but was mostly a homemaker. Solveig enjoyed sewing, playing Mexican Train, raising up to 100 African violets (at one time), being in the Good Cheer Club-a local neighborhood organization, organizing and assisting in various church activities, and babysitting the grand kids. The grand kids (and great grandkids) were all special to her as observed by their pictures adorning all her spaces. In the late '80's, Solveig and Bill bought a place in Tucson, AZ, and wintered there for a few years, entertaining company and being in the same mobile park as some relatives and friends. In 1991 Solveig lost her beloved husband, Bill, to a short bout with cancer. After a couple of years, she sold her Forest Lake home and moved in next door with Eugene and Peggy. She spent more time in Tucson until health concerns brought her back home in 2009. Solveig lived with Eugene and Peggy both in Minnesota and Florida from then until the present time. She turned 95 last April and was shooting for 100 as her one doctor said he would be at her party, but God took her home to heaven for a great reunion, the best celebration of all! We want to thank those of you who supported us in prayer and various other ways during this journey. Solveig is survived by her two children and other extended family and friends: Daughter, Sherilyn (Steve) Litzkow, granddaughter, Tara (Jeremiah) Holmes; Melody, Tate and Ty, and granddaughter, Janelle (Ardelle) Kick; Liam and Benton Son, Eugene (Peggy) Huerstel, grandson, Trevor (Susan) Huerstel; Payton and Riley, and grandson, Blake Huerstel Also, The Gordon Istad family: Jane, Scott, JoAnn, Gary, and families, Brother Gordon (Julie) having preceded her to heaven, also Betty and Noelle Huerstel. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Chisago Lakes Baptist Church for their sound system fund.