John Solvie

John Allen Solvie, son of Duane Allen and Barbara Jo (Fox) Solvie, was born February 1, 1964 at Morris, Minnesota. John grew up in Morris, where he was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. John enjoyed working on the farm with his dad and Grandpa Solvie. Along with farming, he also held jobs at Cenex and Juergenson’s Super Valu. While growing up, John formed a special relationship with the Don and Barb Beers Family, which became a second home and family to him. After graduating from Morris High School in 1982, John worked at Cenex and on the farm. He always loved being a farmer and at the farm. In 1987, John moved to Mesa, Arizona, and began working at Sid’s Exxon. While working there, John was welcomed into the Lipscomb family, and Sid and Nancy took him under their wings and served as another “Mom & Dad” to John in Arizona. In 1993, John formed his own business, “All About Autos”, with his friend, Tom Trescott. Their partnership dissolved, but their friendship never did. John had continued running his business in Mesa until the time of his death.

John’s caring attitude toward others often flowed over to his friends who knew he was never more than a phone call away. Since John’s death, those many good deeds have been paid back through all the acts of kindness from John’s friends in assisting Bobby Jo and the family, especially with all help at John’s home and business in Arizona.

John’s Family was his greatest love. He and his mom were truly “best-friends”. They enjoyed many a “John & Mom” trip, where they were never lost, they just didn’t always know exactly where they were! John called his mom every day, except when the NASCAR races were on. He also loved his sisters as only a brother can, and being miles away, he always looked forward to their reunions. Because of the family’s shared love for “The Sound of Music”, they all took a wonderful trip in June, 2010 to Europe to tour Austria and to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau with friends from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mesa. John was especially proud to be Uncle to Tony & Dani Schultz. When he was in Morris, he loved to follow their sports, especially hockey, and he continued to be an avid fan, even after returning to Mesa. John also enjoyed the outdoor life, and looked forward to the annual deer hunt with his brother-in-law and the Schultz clan. John will truly be missed by the many people who knew and loved him.

John died very unexpectedly from natural causes at his home in Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, September 29, 2010. He had lived to reach the age of 46 years.

He is survived by his mother, Bobby Jo Solvie of Morris; two sisters: Jean (John) Schultz of Morris and Cathy Solvie of Morris; his nephew, Tony Schultz of Morris; his niece, Dani Schultz of Morris; his aunt, Bev Reque of Alexandria; his cousins: David Reque and family and Diane (Eric) Storvick and family; his God-Parents, Art & Nancy (Watzke) Dahlquist and their family; his special friend, Sue Lane and by his many great friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Dewey Solvie; grandparents: Ray & Marion Solvie and Frank J. & Severa Fox; his uncle, Pete Reque and his buddy and faithful companion, Diego the Chihuahua.

Pallbearers for the service are: Shane Kolden, Dave Vikander, Stephen Beers, Scott Beers, Curt Beers, Sid Lipscomb Jr., Jake Barber and Chris Olson. Honorary pallbearers are: Charlie Johnson, Tom Trescott, Sammy Balsum, Spence Moore, Sid and Nancy Lipscomb, Sue Beers Midboe and all of John's friends. Linda Hodgson will serve as pianist for the service, with Jere Solvie serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials in John’s name.