Harlan Solberg, 91

Harlan Solberg, 91, of Greenbush, MN died Saturday evening, May 25, 2024 at Lifecare Greenbush Manor.

Harlan Arvid Solberg was born on January 20, 1933 to parents Arvid and Hazel (Anderson) Solberg in Mayville, North Dakota. He went to country school until 8th grade, then moving on and graduating from Mayville High School. After he was discharged from his service in the Army, he attended Mayville State College on the GI Bill where he was a member of the track team, graduating with a double major in math and social studies. He returned later to get his Master’s degree from University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.

Harlan eloped with Sylvia (Viseth) on October 18, 1956, in Fisher, MN. In the fall of 1958, they moved to Greenbush, MN where he was a lifelong resident. Harlan taught Math and Drivers Education for 33 years, teaching and coaching many generations of students. He was a football coach, and coached wrestling with his good friend, Doug Dahl for many years. Harlan was awarded Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 1991 after being nominated by several of his peers and former students.

Harlan was active in the Greenbush community where he was member of the Greenbush American Legion where he at one time served as Commander. He was also a member of the Greenbush Lions, served on the Two Rivers Watershed Board, and was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church, having served on the Church Council.

Harlan’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, skiing, athletics, the occasional stop at the casino, and playing pinocle at the Legion. He’d often keep his grandkids humble by never letting them win a game of cards, often teasing them about it with his hearty laugh.

Harlan and Sylvia traveled many miles in their motorhome, taking trips throughout the southern part of the US and into Canada. Trips taken were often accompanied by good friends Arvid and Lois Dvergsten or by their grandkids who enjoyed the time spent together. After Harlan retired from teaching in 1993, they spent many winters in Arizona enjoying the sunshine.

Harlan is survived by sons Rick Solberg, Greenbush, MN, Scott (Becky) Solberg, Greenbush, MN, Brad Solberg, Buffalo, MN, and Jason (Terri) Solberg, Glyndon, MN; grandchildren Kelsey (Steve) Roth, Oxbow, ND, Kasey (fiancé Jessica Anderson) Solberg, Badger, MN, Anna (Dustin) Stewart, Salol, MN, Adam (SamieJo) Solberg, Warroad, MN, Jaden Solberg, Greenbush, MN, Blake Solberg, Minneapolis, MN, Blair (Taylor) Main, St. Louis Park, MN, Blaze Solberg, Seattle, WA and Brody Bulow, Greenbush, MN; great grandchildren Nora Roth, Avery Stewart, Kalliann Solberg, Brevyn Agre, Tate Solberg, TJ and Marla Main, and Colby and Titan Bulow; sister Kay Brady and sister-in-law Joyce Solberg.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia Solberg, son Randy; parents Arvid and Hazel Solberg; brothers Norlyn and Gene; in-laws Peder and Sarah Viseth, and several brother and sister in-laws.

Thank you to the Warroad Senior Living Center and Lifecare Greenbush Manor for your loving and caring support over the years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm at Bethel Lutheran Church.

A service celebrating Harlan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 540 McKenzie Avenue West, Greenbush, MN. Interment will be held in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery.

Helgeson Funeral Home