Raymond H. Solinger

Raymond H. Solinger, 90 year old resident of Genola, passed away Sunday (Jan. 29) at st. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls. Mass of Christian Burial for Ray Solinger will be held Friday at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz with Rev. Gerald Dalseth officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-8 PM and Friday from 9 AM until the service at the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz. A rosary will be prayed Thursday at 4:30 PM followed by parish prayers at 6:30 PM and Knights of Columbus Office for the Dead at 7:30 PM at the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel Pierz. Military rites will be with the Pierz American Legion Post #341 and Little Falls VFW Post #1112. Ray was born August 9, 1921 in Genola, MN to the late Henry and Rose ‘Litke’ Solinger. He grew up in Genola, MN and attended grade school in Pierz. Ray graduated from Little Falls High School in 1939 and then attended St. John’s University until entering the military. Ray entered the US Navy on Sept 16, 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943. He was sent to Harvard for Naval Training (officer school) and was assigned to the USS Lesuth, serving in the Pacific during WW II. Ray was honorably discharge on Aug. 11, 1946 and returned home. He was united in marriage to Bertie Mueller on January 26, 1949 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Buckman, MN. Ray owned and operated the Genola Grain Company, along with his family until semi-retiring in 1983. He was elected Mayor and City Councilman for the village of Genola, and served on the School Board for the Pierz School District. After his retirement, he delivered meals on wheels for seniors and drove the Veteran’s van from Pierz to the V.A. Medical Center in Minneapolis. He also volunteered at Horizon Health in Pierz. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially spending time with family and friends. Ray was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, serving as an usher for many years. He was also a life member of the following organizations; Pierz American Legion Post #341 where he served as Post Commander; Little Falls VFW Post #1112; Pierz Knights of Columbus Council #3982 and the National Rifle Association. Raymond Solinger is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bertie of Genola, MN; children, Cheryl (Bob) Halvorson of Fargo, ND; Paul (Kitti) of Pierz, MN; Gary (Linda) of Buckman, MN; David (Donna) of Buckman, MN and Jayne (Beth) of Minneapolis, MN; sister, Audreen Nagel of Pierz, MN; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Henry Solinger and a sister, Beatrice Cornelius. Casketbearers will be the grandsons.

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Raymond H. Solinger

August 9, 1921 - January 29, 2012