Gary L. Solko

Gary L Solko, 74, of Ludell, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025. He was born July 22, 1950, one of the first babies born in the Rawlins Co. Hospital to Ernest and Ann Solko. Gary was the third of seven children. On November 30, 1968, he married Virginia Waterman and to this union two sons, James and Brian were born.

Gary attended grade school in Ludell and finished at Sacred Heart. Gary attended Atwood High School where he graduated as a member of the class of 1968. He worked in agriculture in northwest Kansas. Later he went through the Goodland Vo-Tech Electrical program finishing in August of 1987. He would later serve as a member of the Goodland Vo-Tech advisory committee. Gary began his career as an electrician where he found great joy. Gary believed in doing it right the first time and took a lot of pride in his work. He believed in giving everyone a fair deal and doing quality work that was built to last.

One of his great joys was his sizable garden. He had a bit of a green thumb and grew an abundance so he could share with family and friends. He also enjoyed anything with his sons, grandsons and great grandson.

Gary lived his entire life in northwest Kansas and spent most of that time in Atwood. He was a quiet man but all who knew him would get a healthy ration of his sense of humor. He was always willing to joke around and dish out plenty of good humor for a laugh. Gary would help anyone who asked, be it electrical or gardening advice or anything in between.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne Solko, brothers-in-law, Johnny Owens and Fendoll Bowen.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 56 years Virginia of the home; sons, James Solko (Mandi) of Lawrence, KS and Brian Solko of Billings, MT; grandsons, Cameron Solko (Bailey) of Platte City, MO and Braden Solko (Zoe) of Shawnee, KS; one great grandson Turner James Solko and the first great granddaughter on the way; sisters, Delores Owens of Gunlock, KY, Connie (Stan) Walters of Joplin, MO, Theresa (MR) Wehrly of Olathe, KS and brothers, David Solko of Mead, KS and Randy Solko(Diana) of Herndon, KS.

Visitation is 11-1:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. Memorials may be made to the Gary Solko Memorial (to be designated later) and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com