Gary Solum, 87, of Amery, formerly of Turtle Lake, passed away peacefully on February 25th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was surrounded by family at Amery Memory Care in Amery, WI.

Gary was born in Amery, WI. to Belmer and Delia Solum on April 27th, 1937. He graduated from Amery high school in 1955. He married Dorsay (Dorie) Steichen on June 12th, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Deer Park, WI. He subsequently graduated from the University Wisconsin River Falls in 1959 with a degree in agricultural education. He went on to complete his master’s degree in the same field. Gary devoted his life to teaching, having spent 12 years as a high school Ag instructor followed by 30+ years as an adult farm training instructor with WITI in Rice Lake, WI. Gary was known as the “Tax Man” to countless farmers for over 30 years. Gary’s dedication to community service spanned decades, in leadership roles with the Barron County Fair Board, Turtle Lake Lions Club, church committees and Almena Town Chairman to name a few. Gary was most proud of the coveted title of WI Lions District Governor 27-E1. Gary dedicated over 50 years making a difference on behalf of the Turtle Lake Lions Club. He proudly served as Fair Board President. Gary was a veteran of the WI Army National Guard and was deployed to Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis in 1961, earning him the nickname “Sarge.”

Gary loved golfing, snowmobiling, hunting and traveling. He was fortunate to have visited his family homestead in Norway and attended SuperBowl XLV cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers to victory.

Gary is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorie; his daughter, Julie (Warren) Shortess; his son, Eric (Mary Beth) Solum; Granddaughter, Kayla (Mike) Geib and Granddaughter, Karli (Trevor) Schroeder and Great Granddaughters, Nora, Emma, & Thea Geib and Charli & Lucy Schroeder; Brother-in-law, Jack Steichen and Sister-in-law, Elaine Solum.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Belmer & Delia Solum and brother, Duane (Bill) Solum.

In lieu of flowers: contributions can be made to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Inc. 3834 County Rd. A, Rosholt, WI. 54473. Or online at the Lions Donations page.

The family of Gary wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Amery Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and all the little extras that didn’t go unnoticed.

Visitation will begin at 9:30am with service to follow at 11:00am, Saturday, March 22nd at Parkview United Methodist Church, 236 Maple Street N. Turtle Lake, WI 54889 with Pastor Adam Woods, officiating. A private family burial will take place at East Immanuel Cemetery in Amery at a later date.

Last Update: Mar 03, 2025 1:07 pm CST