Roger Lee Solem

Roger Lee Solem, 87, of rural Newfolden, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his farm, just the way he wanted.
We will celebrate his life on Friday, June 27, 2025, 11 am, at Rindal Lutheran Church, rural Viking, MN, with visitation one hour before the service.
On February 11, 1938, Roger was born as the second son to Alfred and Hazel "Rebecca" (Halvorson) Solem at Physician's Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN. Roger attended County Line and Steiner country schools near his home and graduated from Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, MN, in 1955. After graduation, Roger began working at Kiene Farms near Kennedy, MN. He always spoke so fondly of the fun times he had there and the many friends he worked with.
Following the heartbreaking death of his best friend and older brother, Arlen, Roger joined the United States Army in 1959 and served until 1961, when he was honorably discharged. Roger served as a communications specialist, spent a year in South Korea and received the expert rifle, marksman and good conduct medals. He returned home and began working at Lee Plumbing and Heating. In 1962, he was united in marriage to Peggy Koropatnicki at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN. They were blessed with two children: Roger Alan and Cynthia Jo. He began a career as a machinist at Forsberg's Inc. that continued for over 44 years. He was content with the structure of punching a time clock each day with co-workers, many who he called friends, but at the end of the day, he was happiest going home to his farm. Roger spent his life proudly raising Registered Black Angus cattle and was a member of the American Angus Association. Over the years, he also enjoyed his horses, raised sheep, rabbits, and a few mischievous goats.
Roger had a passion for old tractors and cars, auction sales and Ford pickups. He lived a happy, simple life, vowing never to use a credit card, hearing aids, or a Smartphone! He enjoyed putting on his "dancing boots" on Friday evenings and never seemed to lack a dancing partner. Roger was raised on the family farm with his five siblings. He was an active member of FFA and the Steiner 4-H Club where he showed his Black Angus, winning many champion ribbons and a trip to the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago. The county fairs were a summer highlight for Roger. You could always find him at the 4-H food and malt stands, in the livestock barn, playing BINGO or taking wagon rides around the fairgrounds with his grand and great grandchildren. Roger loved anything with a motor, and if it didn't have a motor, he built one on it. He couldn't understand why a person ever would peddle a bike when he could put a motor on it. He was way ahead of his time with this concept. In the later years, Roger spent the majority of his time behind the wheels of his Ford pickup, exploring all the country roads, some of which were really not even roads. He loved his family more than anything in his world and we loved him right back.
Left on earth to carry memories are his children: Roger A. Solem and Cindi Kilen; grandchildren: Zakary Solem, Jade (Ross)Haugen, Kolton Kilen, Olivia (Hussein) Fattahy, and Preston Kilen; great-grandchildren: Theo, Cecelia, Maeve and Philip Haugen; Freya, Ophelia and Malik Fattahy; siblings: Stuart (Carmen) Solem, Kathy Nelson, Kermit (Bonnie) Solem and Peter (Valerie) Solem, along with his cherished nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Rebecca; brother, Arlen Solem; brother-in-law, Kenneth Nelson; nieces Corrine Solem and Naomi Solem.