Henry C. Sollman

Racine – Henry C. Sollman, 94, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Saturday, December 15, 2012. Henry was born in Haubstadt, IN on Wednesday, October 2, 1918 to George and Katherine (nee: Felker) Sollman, where his parents owned a farm of some 160 acres, much of which produced corn. Given his parents German heritage, he spoke German until he entered elementary school. After graduating from Haubstadt High School, Henry was accepted at Northwestern University where he graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music Education. He also found time to earn his pilot's license in 1938 and to become a founding member of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). On September 23, 1940, Henry and the former Margaret Gockel were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilmette, IL by Margaret's father, The Rev. Julius Gockel. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Niles, MI where Henry taught music in schools in nearby New Buffalo, MI. He was then drafted into the war in 1943, where he served in Waco, TX. Upon returning home, he joined the Personnel Department of Tyler Refrigeration. The acquisition of Harder Refrigeration by Tyler in 1945 brought Henry and Margaret to Cobleskill, NY. Moving there, Henry then became the director of personnel for Harder Refrigeration. In 1959, the facilities of Harder Refrigeration were acquired by Remington-Rand, bringing Henry into the birth of the electronics industry. Subsequently, in 1960, because of a promotion at Remington-Rand, he was transferred to their corporate offices in New York City, NY. This experience led him to take the senior personnel position for Phillips Electronics Instruments division in Mount Vernon, NY. Then at the age of 57, Henry decided to start a new career, one that converted his avocation into a vocation. He then became Chief Flight Instructor at airports in Danbury, CN, then Lincoln Park, NJ and finally White Plains, NY, where he retired in May of 1992. In September 1990, Henry and Margaret celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary, but sadly on May 23, 1991, Margaret passed away. After his retirement, Henry moved to Racine in 1993 where he became a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and moved into the Imperial Apartments, then several years later to Home Harbor. Needless, to say, Henry made many new friends. Throughout the many years in Henry's life, he has received numerous awards and honors for his flight instructing. He has been featured in several flight magazines as well as a featured article in Modern Maturity magazine. He also co-authored the book titled "Mastering Instrument Flying", that was so popular that McGraw Hill printed three editions. Henry (and the late Margaret) felt their greatest accomplishments were being the proud parents of three sons, who survive him, George (Maureen) Sollman of Atherton, CA, Richard (Mary Sue) Sollman of Racine and John (Betty) Sollman of Round Lake Beach, IL. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Roberta Sollman, Jennifer Allen, Tom (Doreen) Sollman, David (April) Sollman, Sandy Sollman, Catherine (Jeff) McCarter, Amy (Fritz) Obernberger and Erich (Terra) Sollman, fourteen great-grandchildren, Haley, Lauren, Savannah, Megan, David, Jr., Jacob, Haden, Hailey, Louise, Whitney, Victoria, Roland, Olivia and Mason, and one sister Catherine Rydberg of Walnut Creek, CA as well as several nieces and nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his grandson, Jessie Sollman, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Funeral services for Henry will be held at the funeral home this Tuesday evening, December 18, 2012 at 6 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Feldscher officiating. A private family entombment will take place at Holy cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home this Tuesday evening from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center for all of the wonderful care they provided to Henry.