Geneva Jane (Hanson Hoaby) Solhjem
February 12, 1936 ~ January 27, 2023
Born in:
Englevale, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Geneva’s Live Streamed Prayer Service can be viewed below:
Geneva’s Live Streamed Funeral Service can be viewed below:
https://online.atonement.live
Geneva Jane Solhjem, 86, Fargo, N.D., entered into her heavenly home on January 27, 2023 at Edgewood Vista from complications of dementia. Her family surrounded her with love, laughter, scripture and music during her final days while Edgewood Vista and Hospice of the Red River Valley gave her tender care.
Jane began her remarkable life after her parents, Leon and Geneva Hanson, in the middle of a blizzard, made a wagon ride journey to Englevale, N.D. to catch the train to Lisbon, N.D. where she was born on February 12, 1936. From the moment on, Jane always made a difference.
As a bit of a tomboy growing up, Jane loved spending time outside helping her father on the farm or riding her beloved horse Tootsie. Jane attended school in Englevale and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1954. She married Ernest Ardell Hoaby that year, with whom she had 5 children: Cathy Hoaby (John) Taylor, Nisswa, MN, Scott (Mary) Hoaby, Fargo, Ted Hoaby, Fargo, Tod (Suzy) Hoaby, Alexandria, MN, and Jean (Ron) Hill, Minneapolis. Her 13 years of married life with Ernie was full of music, travel and family. After Ernie’s passing on October 25,1967, Jane lovingly raised her 5 children, ensuring that they were surrounded by music, education and the love of the Lord.
In November 1973, Jane married Iver A. Solhjem, and they have a son, Rev. Mark (Sara) Solhjem, Moorhead. She has two stepchildren, Chaplain Tom (Jill) Solhjem, Fort Myer, VA, and Kathy (Al) Grant, Colorado Springs, CO. Jane and Iver were married for 40 years before his death on October 1, 2013, during which time there were memories made at their lake homes, church and family events, and when they combined their voices in beautiful duets.
Jane worked for a time as a paraprofessional at Clara Barton elementary school before spending countless hours devoted to helping build Atonement Lutheran Church as a charter member and the new member/volunteer coordinator. The consummate hostess with her beautiful smile, incalculable hours were spent by Jane hosting family and church events where you were guaranteed a cup of coffee and a cookie. She loved deeply and never wanted to miss out on anything and was quite adventuresome, with a favorite saying, “Let’s do it!” She will be remembered for her warmth, selflessness, strength and compassion.
She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, two sisters, Dorothy (Bob) Hoover, Detroit Lakes, MN, and JoAnne Carlblom, Moorhead, MN and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gordon and Allen Hanson, sisters Mary Ann Hanson, Gladys Brewer and Bonnie June Hanson.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on February 10 and a service of celebration for Jane’s life will be held on February 11 at 11 a.m., both of which at Atonement Lutheran Church, 4601 S. University Drive, Fargo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to both services.
Jane’s family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of Edgewood Vista and The Red River Valley Hospice. Please consider memorials made in her honor to the Salem Cemetery Association or Atonement Lutheran Church.
Jane’s Video Tribute can be viewed below:
Services
Prayer Service - Friday: February 10, 2023 7:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Visitation - Friday: February 10, 2023 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Celebration of Life - Saturday: February 11, 2023 11:00 am
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
Visitation - Saturday: February 11, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/
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Jane was the first to greet Deb and me when we visited Atonement thirty years ago. Following our visit, we immediately knew we found our church home.
We will always be grateful for Jane’s kindness and warmth. She was a tremendous ambassador for God and his work. She will be missed – and remembered.
A light of a person who raised a wonderful family; she made sure I felt I was a part of it whenever I was lucky enough to be around. What a gift to have been able to know her for a little while – may her memory be a blessing. All my love to the extended Hoaby and Solhjem families.
So sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She was such an outgoing person and was always at the church to greet everyone. Was so sad to see her at Edgewood when I would visit my dad. She still had that beautiful smile, but didn’t know who I was. God has another amazing woman to greet the new comers. All our prayers and sympathies to her family
Jane was the epitome of many things. She was a fashionista with the jewelry to match. She was the volunteer coordinator no one could say NO to. She had the smile and twinkle in her eye that gave the message you are special and loved. She made everyone feel welcomed and wanted. She will forever hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to seeing her again. Whole and healthy. Hugs to all. Indeed your mom was special to many and I’m thankful she was in my life.
Jane would light up a room, many wonderful memories of her and your family at Atonement. She brought so much fun to bible school … remember Doozy? I was blessed to have known her. Prayers and love to the family.
Jane was the first person to greet us at Atonement when we moved to Fargo. We knew we had found our church home. Jane always had a smile and hug for everyone. I am sure that she is singing and dancing in heaven our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy , every time you look in the mirror you will see that beautiful soul ! Cathy, Scott, Ted, Todd & Mark our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a wonderful blessing to have known Jane all the years we did, how great to watch her and Iver spread love and music and Gods message through their tireless work. Keep the warmth of your memories close to your heart.
Gary Nelson sends his deepest sympathy.
We have fond memories of visits with your parents especially during
Pizazz years. Would see Jane frequently at Hornbacher’s and have a great catch-up visit.
May good memories give you peace.
John and Joann Lawrence
What rejoicing now in heaven!
One cannot think of Jane and not smile. She was a blessing and a gift to so many. Our family will treasure our memories of Jane and our times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Solhjems and Hoablys and all those who loved our special Lady Jane.
Jan & Randy Wigen
Aunt Jane was a loving and caring person. From the time that I remember watching TV while lying on the bear skin rug to singing with Uncle Ernie and Aunt Jane the memories were rich and varied. Aunt Jane and Uncle Iver were married a week before Mike and I got married and Uncle Iver passed away brefore we moved back to Fargo. I remember timeing my grocery shopping so that I could visit with Aunt Jane and she always made me feel special. Her face always lit up when she saw me coming. She will surely be missed.