Marlen Solemsaas

Marlen “Smokey” Solemsaas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Fargo, North Dakota. He was 93 years old.

Marlen was born on January 27, 1932, in Mohall, North Dakota, to Ole and Ruby (Larson) Solemsaas. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Mohall High School in 1950.

On July 2, 1955, Marlen married the love of his life, Nancy Brown, in Sidney, Montana. They shared 68 wonderful years together until Nancy’s passing in August 2023, following a brief stay in rehabilitation after hip surgery.

Marlen began his career in seismic exploration with Young Exploration and, in 1977, founded his own company—Big Sky Exploration—in Sidney, Montana. He later partnered with associates at forming Wilderness Exploration doing seismic exploration using helicopter rigs. After retiring from the seismic industry, he spent his final working years with Holly Sugar in Sidney before retiring in 2006.

His career took him across the country—Marlen lived in 33 communities across 11 states throughout his life. After retirement, he made his home in Glenwood, Minnesota, and later in Morris, Minnesota.

Marlen was known for his quiet strength, tireless work ethic, and unwavering devotion to his family. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, woodworking, reading, and especially watching his grandchildren compete in sports. Time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Robin; his parents, Ole and Ruby Solemsaas; siblings Ruby Lavore Solemsaas, Alfred Solemsaas, Layne Solemsaas, and JoAnn Henry; in-laws Randolph and Norma Brown; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ione Smith, Hazel Solemsaas, Mary Fraser, James Brown, Kathryn DuQuesnay, and Darrell Henry.

Marlen is survived by his two sons, Scott (Nadine) and Matthew (Angela); grandchildren Erin (Jared), Brian (Roxanne), Brandon (Trisha), Annika, Abby Jo, Nicholas, Abigail (Forrest), and Andrew; and great-grandchildren Brooks, Bodee, Julian, Alana, and Vivienne—with two more great-grandchildren expected soon. He is also survived by siblings Galen Solemsaas (Melba), Carole Wrolstad, Betty Horner (Vince), Ruby Artz (Mike) and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Mohall, North Dakota. Marlen has been cremated and will be laid to rest in Mohall.

Marlen will be remembered for his calm and gentle spirit, his thoughtful presence, and his lifelong dedication to those he loved. He lived a life of quiet strength and enduring kindness—and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.