Estel E. Soltis

Estel Eileen Olsen was born Oct. 5, 1919 to Bert and Florence Olsen at Volunteer, SD. The family moved to Deadwood where she graduated high school at age 16. She graduated from SDSU in Brookings with a B.S. degree in Home Economics. She taught school for 2 years in South Dakota. She met Vernon Soltis who was serving in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Meade in Sturgis, SD. They were married in 1943. While Vernon was serving overseas in WWII, Estel held the position of Home Extension Agent in Meade County, SD. When Vernon returned, they lived in Deadwood where sons, Rick and Rob, were born. They moved to Pueblo, CO where Craig and Anita were born. In 1958, they moved to rural Holdingford, MN, where Vernon grew up, and began farming. During this time Estel taught Home Economics and English at Upsala Area Schools. They sold the farm in 1980, both retired and built their retirement home in the country, where Estel lived until just recently. Vernon and Estel enjoyed traveling across the country in their RV, visiting friends and family. Favorite trips included Mexico, Alaska and many other national parks. Estel was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, and watching birds, wildlife, sunrises and sunsets. She made beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Estel is survived by her sons, Rick (Elma) Soltis of St. Cloud, MN, Rob (Connie) Soltis of Lodge Grass, MT, Craig (Cindy) Soltis of Royalton, MN; daughter, Anita Johnson (Roger Backes) of Farming, MN; grandchildren, Eric (Jennifer) Soltis, Josh (Tessa) Soltis, Sarah (Dan) Springer, Robb (Nataliia) Soltis, Jessica Soltis, Scot (Kari Nelson) Johnson, Robyn (Bob) Stepaniak; and 9 great-grandchildren. Estel was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Florence Olsen; brothers, Don and George Hair; sister, Dorothy Carlevato; husband, Vernon Soltis; and great-granddaughter Kami Soltis. Honorary Pallbearers will be nephews, Doug Hair and Norm Carlevato. Active Pallbearers will be grandsons, Eric Soltis, Scot Johnson, Josh Soltis, Robb Soltis, Dan Springer and Bob Stepaniak. In leiu of flower memorials preferred to one time scholarship fund for Upsala area students.

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Estel E. Soltis

October 5, 1919 - December 11, 2011