Audrey Solhjem

Audrey Solhjem passed away September 3, 2024, following heart surgery. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, colleague and friend to many. She was known for her ability to work hard, her sense of humor, her kindness, her love of family, her joy in her life on the Solhjem ranch–and her fearless ability to operate almost any tool or vehicle on that ranch.

Audrey Jean Kemmer was born December 18, 1938, to Howard and Olive Kemmer at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo. They lived on a farm south of Alice, North Dakota, along with Audrey’s sister June and brother Clayton. From her earliest years Audrey loved and thrived in her farm environment. She attended elementary school in Alice, and as a teenager, stayed with her sister June’s family in Sheldon, where she was loved like a big sister by her niece and nephews Jean, Daniel and David. She attended high school in Sheldon, graduated from Enderlin High School and achieved her elementary teaching certificate at Valley City State Teachers College.

After teaching first grade for several years in Drayton, ND, Audrey pursued her desire to teach physical education by completing her Bachelor of Science at NDSU. In 1963 she began teaching girls physical education at Agassiz Junior High School in Fargo. During this time, she met her best friend and future husband, Gordon. They were married in August 1965, and began their life together on the Solhjem Ranch on the Sheyenne River in the sandhills south of Leonard. Audrey loved her new vocation, helping in any way she could, from fencing to branding to bookkeeping to gardening. Audrey also spent many years working for R&D Auction and made many lasting friendships there. In 1980 Audrey and Gordon adopted their daughter, Melissa Jean. Their love and joy increased as their family was born.

Audrey was active at Zion Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and trio and served as treasurer on the parish council and cemetery committee for many years. When Zion closed, Audrey and Gordon attended Bethany Lutheran Church in Mcleod where she joined the Quilting Group, and both helped support the Mcleod Museum. Audrey had countless friends in the community and especially many who were involved with the annual Twist of Fate Handicapped Hunt which she and Gordon hosted on their land since 2005. Audrey was especially grateful for her friendship with Grace Priewe and Marlene Mellem—The Three Amigos—who helped her through her grief when Gordon passed in 2017.

Audrey is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Glenn Murphy), grandsons Craig and Chase, brothers-in-law Allen (Karen) and Ralph (Carol) Solhjem, sister-in-law Grace (Bruce) Stainbrook and numerous nieces and nephews. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, sister June, brother Clayton, nephew Daniel and parents Howard and Olive Kemmer.