Virginia Solem

Virginia Ernestine Solem passed away peacefully on May 28, 2024 at Pine Haven Care Center with her family at her bedside. Virginia was born on January 10, 1932 in Waukon, Iowa. She was the first child of Floyd and Evelyn (Nelson) Haney.

Virginia grew up in Decorah, Iowa where she met, and married, the love of her life, John Solem. They were married for nearly 70 years until his passing in 2017. Virginia was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother to her children who adored her and filled her life with love and affection. They were her greatest joy. Memories of the wonderful Christmas celebrations at her house will live on with all of them.

Virginia and John resided in Rochester the majority of their married life. They had three daughters; Kathleen (Conway) Jacobson, Patricia (James) Thiel and Avis (Tony) Erickson, seven grandchildren; Shannon Howard, Angela (Jon) Morken, Matthew (Katie) Bowron, Kristin Streiff, Michael Erickson, Israel (Dana) Erickson and Evan (Samantha) Erickson, eighteen great grandchildren and three (soon to be four) great-great grandchildren. Virginia is survived by her sister, Sharon (John) Burch. She was pre-deceased by her parents, brother Reginald Haney, daughter Kathleen, son-in-law Conway Jacobson, and grandson-in-law Terry Howard.

Her talents for cooking, embroidery, crafts and interior decorating will live on through her family. She was a patient and loving teacher.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:00 am at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials gifts can be directed to Virginia's favorite charity, the Salvation Army.