Iver A. Solhjem

iver a. solhjem

Iver A. Solhjem, 82, Fargo, ND, entered into his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 1,2013 at Elim Care Center from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Iver was born on March 28, 1931 in rural Leonard, ND, the eldest of six children of Frederick and Alma Solhjem. He attended elementary and middle school in rural Leonard, ND, graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1949, after which he attended Dakota Business College. Iver returned to farming in the beautiful Sand Hills before joining the Army in 1953 where he served time in Germany. He then returned to farming before moving to Fargo and worked in the automotive industry until his retirement.

Iver enjoyed family and music, most often when the two were combined. A beautiful tenor, he made many family memories singing solos, duets with his loving wife, Jane, and as a quartet member with his three brothers. He delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, where he was an active parishioner, a charter member and former council member. During his retirement, Iver received much joy in his volunteer work at Elim Care Center.

Iver married Mina Ernst in 1955, with whom he has two children, Chaplain Thomas (Jill) Solhjem, Walcott, ND and Kathy (Al) Grant, Colorado Springs, CO. In November, 1973, Iver married G. Jane Hanson Hoaby. They have a son, Mark (Sara) Solhjem, Moorhead, MN. He has five stepchildren: Cathy Hoaby (John) Taylor, Nisswa, MN; Scott (Mary) Hoaby, Torrence, CA; Ted Hoaby, Dent, MN; Tod (Suzy) Hoaby, Golden Valley, MN; and Jean Hoaby (Ron) Hill, Plymouth, MN. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and five brothers and sisters: Gordon (Audrey) Solhjem, Leonard, ND; Carol (Wade) Mason, Lakeside, MT; Grace (Bruce) Stainbrook, Surprise AZ; Allen (Karen) Solhjem, Fargo, ND; and Ralph (Carol) Solhjem, Punta Gorda, FL. and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

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  1. Fargo ND
    Dear Jane, Mark and family
    John and I extend our sympathy to all of you on Iver’s passing. You will have many wonderful memories to reflect on and hopefully help you thru this grief time. May he rest in perfect peace.
    Our best to all of you.

  2. Stockton CaThomas, sorry about your dad passing. I know he’s proud of what a great man you became. Always the best wishes for you my friend.

  3. I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from Gods promise to “swallow up death forever” and to “wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8)

  4. Detroit Lakes, MN
    The Solhjem Family,
    Twila and I express our sympathy. I was a classmate of Iver’s for four years, 45-49, at Oak Grove. Our paths have crossed several times at Oak Grove Homecoming and many memories shared.
    We pray God’s continued presence, comfort, and strength for all of you.
    Sincerely in Christ,
    Arvin and Twila Halvorson

  5. West Fargo ND
    Jane and family, we are so sorry to hear about Iver. You have our deepest sympathy. Sorry we couldn’t make it to the funeral.

    Alan and Sheila

  6. Moorhead MnMy sympathies to the Solhjem families. I can remember when Iver was my teacher at Zion’s Vacation Bible School. One of our crafts was a sketched photo of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane made with using a nail. I still have it and it reminds me of that time. I also remember when all the “kids” at Zion (Darrel, Paul, Karen, Steven, Arvid, Marlys, Gary, and I) were invited to Iver’s in Fargo and we all went bowling together. I was always so impressed that although he now lived in Fargo, that he never forgot those of us in the Sandhills. I know he will be greatly missed to all you who knew him well. But for me, I wish I could have heard that Solhjem Brothers Quartet sing one more time. It’s on my bucket list for when I get to the other side.

    Lucille

  7. Bullhead City AZ
    Jane,
    So very sorry to read about Iver. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace and comfort to all. Keep your memories close. God’s blessings to you.
    Doug and Bunny

  8. Plymouth MN
    As a friend of Ron’s and Jean’s, I had the pleasure of meeting Iver and Jane at the Hill home a couple times.

    My condolences to all his family at this difficult time. He was a very nice man and I’m sure you will greatly miss him.

  9. Mendota Heights MN
    To Jane and all of her family,

    Our family has had the great pleasure of spending time with Jane and Iver on the Classic Lake VT bike tour. We are thankful for the special time that we shared with your family. Iver was a kind man and a good sport especially when he played along with Suzy and Joseph’s pranks.

    With deep sympathy and kind regards,
    The Weikert’s

  10. Nisswa MN
    Grandpa, I love you so much. I will miss you, your smile, your singing at Christmas, our Norwegian fingers and toes), and so many more things. Thank God for you. And now you have the greatest gift of all…to be waking side by side with Jesus! I am so glad I got to come visit you before your time in earth was over. Memories from that day will always be with me in my heart!
    I love you

  11. Fargo ND
    I was honored to have Iver as a friend. He always had a twinkle in his eye which usually meant ‘trouble’….He had a great sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice with Jane. I will miss him on earth but look forward to meeting up with him again in Heaven. My prayers and sympathies to his family and other friends. We know he’s with our Heavenly Father so we can’t be sad about that. Love to all.

  12. Weat Fargo ND
    Jane and Family
    I am deeply saddened in the loss of Iver, I had many Great times with him at Fellowship time, and he was always good for story or to joke with. I miss that more than I can say in words, Iver was about as Genuine as you can get, he will be missed but never forgotten, he told me once that one of the hardest times in his life was losing his Dad – now he is Rejoicing with him, does not get much better than that.

    Take care all of you and know you are all in our Saddened Heart’s.
    God Bless
    Kirk Ronning


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