Gerald "Nels" Solem

Gerald “Jerry” Nels Solem, passed away Sunday morning, December 19, 2021 at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 22 days, from complications of the Coronavirus. Jerry was born February 27, 1939 at the family home in Ham Lake. He was a life-long resident of Forest Lake, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Angelica (nee: Hauble) Solem; brother, Alan Solem; nieces, Brenda Solem and Peggy Ann Paige; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 ½ years, Judith (nee: Warnkvist) Solem; children, Nels Solem of St. Paul, MN and Nancy Raterno of Sterling, IL; granddaughter, Hannah (Elijah) Hawley of Nashwauk, MN; sister, Joyce Guttsen and Claire Solem; nephew Kenneth Guttsen; nieces, Alana Solem, Kerri Rude; Krista Flynn; aunts, Rita Tetrault and AudreyBrown, many cousins, great nieces & nephews. A 1958 graduate of Forest Lake High School, he would be the first to say that he wasn’t a great student, however, he enjoyed the high school experience and had many friends, some of which he maintained contract throughout the years and even continued to meet a group of them for breakfast once a month. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1958 – 1961 during a relatively peaceful time. He often talked about how being in the Navy allowed him to see different parts of the world, including a Mediterranean Cruise in 1959. The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred toward the end of his Naval career. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Sierra, a destroyer tender. His love of cars started at an early age. When he was 12, he had a “job” lining up cars at a used car lot. At age 15, he negotiated terms at the Forest Lake State Bank to purchase his first car. He was involved in car clubs starting with the “Spinners” a group of high school car enthusiasts. This and his natural ability to work with his hands lead him to St. Paul Vocational where he completed training in auto body repair. This lead to a job at Midway Chevrolet on University Ave. in St. Paul serviing as “bodyman” for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Northern Lights Car Club, MSRA (Minnesota Street Rod Association), the reprise of the Spinners Club and later several clubs in Arizona as a snow bird. He owned many cars over the years, but most would recognize his green ’40 Chev Coupe, 1936 Ford, ‘85 El Camino and ’92 gold Buick Riviera. In 1963, he married Judy Warnkvist. The following year they purchased their first home across from the former Forest Lake High School; a home that Jerry watched being built as a kid. They raised their family there and still call it home during the summer months. After retiring they traveled south and west with a trailer and in 2014 they landed in a home in Mesa, AZ’s Fountain of the Sun Community. Snowbird is a title they enjoy, making new friends and enjoying the warmer climate. My dad was a very friendly, gregarious person that was full of laughter and love for his family and friends. His faith as a Christian was reflected in the way he lived, provided as a husband and father, and how he treated people. In 2000, my dad suffered a heart attack where his heart stopped beating and he had to be revived. After that experience, he began celebrating his second birthday. He was thankful for the opportunity to see his granddaughter born, grow up and get married. We too are thankful for the extra 21 years that we were able to have him in our lives. Now we will be celebrating his third birthday. He would want everyone to appreciate the life they have been given here on earth, but also know that God has prepared a better place for us in Heaven… Jesus has already paid the price for our admission… you just have to believe. A celebration of Jerry's life 11 AM Saturday, August 27th with visitation at 10 AM at Linwood Covenant Church, 6565 Viking Boulevard NE, Linwood.