Robert Solem

            Robert Solem died peacefully in his home October 15, 2023.  Services will be held at 10:00 AM CST on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Beulah Congregational Church, with Pastor John Fanella officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Robert Curtis Solem came into this world on April 16, 1942. He was the first child of Custer and Evelyn Solem, who raised him with gentle hands. He was soon joined by his brother Richard (Ray) Solem, then a sister, Ruth Dschaak, and another sister, Rita Solem Sevier. He spent the majority of his young years in Alexander, ND, which he always considered his home town. He often spoke of his Boy Scout outings and how wonderful it was to grow up in Alexander where he was free to explore and have adventures. When Robert was a teenager his family moved to Zap, ND, where he met the love of his life, Verna. He played basketball for Zap and he couldn't be prouder of the team he was part of. He graduated high school as valedictorian, then started his college education. He attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Eastern Montana College, and Rocky Mountain College, were he received his bachelors degree. Verna and Robert were married on May 30, 1964. They welcomed their first child, Scott Solem in 1967, and their daughter Susan Olson joined the family in 1969. Robert had a very varied work career. He worked for farmers, in the rodeo, construction, oil drilling, store managing, and in energy production at the Coyote Station. As most of you know, managing the JC Penney store in SD was his second favorite job. His first favorite was being a grandpa. He was blessed with four grandsons. The first being Scotty, who had a special place in his heart. It took ten years for another grandchild, but then, one after the other, Trenton, Clay, and Thatcher sprung into his life. He cherished every phone call and visit from those four boys, they made his life complete. After Robert retired he devoted his life to his loving wife. He made it a priority to be there for her and to hold her hand through the good times and the bad.

Most of you will remember him as the man who always took a walk with a plastic bag to pick up any garbage that was on his path or the gentleman that always had time to stop and visit. But he was so much more. To his friends, he was someone who truly cared about them. To his wife, he was a shelter that could weather any storm. To his children, he was their hero.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard (Ray) Solem, and his brother-in-law, Roy Dschaak.  He is survived by his loving wife, Verna, his children, Scott Solem (Tammy Hafner), and Susan (Mike) Olson, his four grandsons, Scott Forman, Trenton Solem, Clay Olson, and Thatcher Solem, and his sisters, Ruth Dschaak and Rita (Mark) Sevier.

Robert left this world on Sunday October 15, 2023, gently and with great dignity. He spent the preceding weeks preparing the yard and house for the coming winter. He finished the last of his tasks Saturday evening, then spent an enjoyable night with Verna. When his and Verna's eyes grew weary, he helped his sweetheart into bed, tucking her in, and giving her a kiss. Then spoke his last words...I LOVE YOU.

Robert will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to WARC.

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home of Beulah and Hazen.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.