Rev. Dr. Robert A. Solberg
November 20, 2015
Reverend Doctor Robert A. Solberg passed away on Friday, November 20, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves this world with dignity, respect, and the love of his family and many friends. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, at Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Wayne Almlie presiding.
Born in Spring Grove, Minnesota on May 10, 1941, he married his high school sweetheart Judith Ann Joerg on August 31, 1963. He attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and the Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent two years teaching under the auspices of the Church of Sweden Mission in Chegato, Rhodesia where his daughter Mureema was born. After receiving his Bachelor of Divinity from the seminary, he moved his family, including two month old daughter, Jaya to Papua New Guinea where he was a Lutheran missionary for over ten years. Son Paul and daughter Jodi were born in PNG. He then spent three and a half years in St. Paul, Minnesota studying and working on his Doctor of Ministry (and Pastoral Care) before moving to Souris, North Dakota to serve three small Lutheran churches on the prairie. In 1986 he moved to Des Moines to serve as head pastor at Zion Lutheran Church from which he retired in 2007. After retirement, he traveled back to PNG and Australia, to Tanzania on mission work, around the southern tip of South America, drove across Alaska, and cruised the Norwegian fjords. He spent time with his grandchildren and served part time at a number of churches including St. Paul Lutheran in Des Moines. He was also a board member at Luther Park for many years.
Bob was an adventurous world traveler and always engaged in his community, wherever that might be. He was dedicated to his work and family. He was a natural leader with great communication and organization skills and his wise advice was always welcome. He was an encouraging, supportive, loving spouse, father and minister.
He will be missed by his wife of 52 years, Judy; his children, Mureema Solberg (Min Pak), Jaya (Randy) Boldt, Paul Solberg (Lisa Finke), and Jodi (Grant) Goldsberry. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Flaten and Judy Diersen Ashbacker; brothers, Stanley, Paul, David, and Donald Solberg. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alphy and Benora (Harstad) Solberg; brothers, Alden and Charles Solberg; and his sisters, Lyla Smith, Naomi Hagen Solberg, and Helen Fink.
The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Buroker and his team for caring for Bob during his battle with multiple myeloma. They would also like to thank Mercy Hospice for their loving care of Bob and the entire family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Mhezi Lutheran Parish c/o Zion Mhezi Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don Perschau
11/30/2015
I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Solberg. He was such an attentive parent and supporter of the teachers who were working with his children. I remember his sense of humor and love for education. Judy, Jodi, Paul and the rest of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rod and Nina (Solberg) Lee
11/29/2015
We would like to have been a part
of the mourners at Bob's funeral
this morning but we just are not able to travel that far. Mom and Dad (Alma and Lyle Solberg) were Bob's Godparents so Bob always had a special place in our family. We always had a good time when he would come to stay on our farm with us growing up,. My sister, Lois, and I were in the same grade as
Bob so we spent each school year from Kindergarten through High School graduation in many of the same classes. In most classes we were seated alphabetically so I had Lois on one side and Bob on the other--good memories. We enjoyed the many letters sent from Bob from all over the world.
Also enjoyed seeing him at family reunions and class reunions. Special memories of the reunion we had at another classmates home in Wisconsin. Bob came quite late on Saturday night because he had performed a wedding earlier in the day. The next morning he conducted a service for us on the front lawn on the subject of communion. When it came time for communion' he found that he brought the wine but forgot the communion wafers. Being the good Norwegians that we were, we had lefse left from our meal on Saturday night so Bob blessed the lefse for our communion.
Another good memory is of my sister Karen who had Down Syndrome. Bob was one of her Godparents and he never forgot her birthday, She was so proud to show us the card with some money in it that she had received from Bob. Good feeling to think they can now continue to be together along with our parents.
Our sympathy to Jud and your
family. The photos Bob sent of all of you last Christmas are very special to us and were shared with all who were able to make it to our last class reunion. He will be missed.
Les & Sharon Aasheim
11/28/2015
We offer our deepest sympathies to the Solberg family. Pastor Bob was a phenomenal pastor and he was always there to comfort and tend to our care. He will be missed. I cherish the many conversations with Pastor Bob and the hugs he always provided. Rest in peace.
Linda Kramer
11/27/2015
Our family was truly blessed by Pastor Bob when we were members of Zion. His message was clear: we as Christians are Easter people! He was joyous and enthusiastic! I treasure his being our two daughters' confirmation minister and the pastor that married each of them.
May you family members feel the peace and love of Jesus as you go through this sad time, as well as feel the support of friends/acquaintances near and far.
Gail Froyen
11/27/2015
May the blessing Pastor Solberg was to so many over the years enfold you, his family, in the comforting grace of God. Pastor was a great support and comfort to my mother, Lillian Annable, during her final years and to her family with his visits and prayers as well. I treasure his memory.
Darby Yoder-Velarde
11/26/2015
I am saddened beyond words. My thoughts are with the entire Sloberg family. Growing up at Zion was a true blessing. Pastor Bob was a very important part of my life and I will forever keep him in my heart.
Chuck and LaVonne Onstad
11/26/2015
Our sincere condolences to Judy and her family on the loss of Bob! He was a blessing to so many and we are proud that he was our high school classmate.
From: Pastor Timotheo Elinihaki and his wife Miria
11/26/2015
Words can never reflect the deep feeling of sorrow that have been troubling us since we heard about the death of Pastor Bob. The life of Pastor Bob was a role model to many people. People like pastor Bob are very few. Probably, we shall be looking for an exemplar person like him without success. Rest in peace pastor Bob ! Let God be God even in hard times like this.
Rev Mbaziel and Elivida Kirumbi
11/26/2015
Dear mama Judy and the family. I and my family wish relief of God to you in this sad time. Pastor Bob was my brother in Jesus and family friend. We will remember him for many things he did to us. Only death can separate us physiqualy but spiritually we will be with him forever.
Rest in peace our beloved pastor Bob.
Your pastor Mbaziel Y. Kirumbi, at
Chome Lutheran Parish,
Same, Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania.
Theresa Snell
11/25/2015
Keeping your family in prayer as you mourn your loss. May the happy memories you have of him help ease your sorrow.
Linda Ludwig
11/25/2015
Lifting up all of the Solberg family, as you mourn the loss of Pastor Bob! God be with you as you travel the journey of grief. Pastor Bob's giving heart will always be remembered by my famiy!
Jennie Werneck
11/25/2015
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family. How truly blessed you all were to have had such an amazing father, grandfather, husband, etc. I hope you can find comfort in the wonderful memories that you will carry in your hearts. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.
Pastor E.Mkiramweni and Elinipa Mkiramweni
11/25/2015
Our love and deepest simpathy to Jud and familyOn behalf of members of Mhezi Parish I send sincere condolences to Jud and family.Pastor Bob has been a treasure to Mhezi people and the community at large.We are keeping Jud and family in our prayers that our loving GOD be their total comfort during this time and many more days to come.
Pastor Enirisha and Elinipa
Ruth and Kajiru
11/25/2015
We grieve with you pastor Bob's family.We had known pastor Bob when he visited our home several times when he was in Tanzania.
We can only say to Bob's family that our loving God will take care of you during and after this grieving period.
God gave us pastor Bob and God has taken him let his name be blessed.
Kajiru and Ruth
Carole Hamill
11/24/2015
May God comfort you during this time. What a blessing Pastor Bob was to me and my entire family. I am Pastor Bob Boudewyns daughter and Pastor Bob was with us during each one of my grandparents funerals -- he walked each one of those walks with us and was with us during many other monumental moments in my lifetime. Being a pastors daughter I encounter lots of pastors in my lifetime, but Pastor Bob was very special. Very Very special. He prayed with me over the phone - I knew I could call him in a time of confusion or fear with different levels of healthcare needs with my folks. I will miss him DEARLY and please know the prayers for your comfort will not cease from me. I will be grieving with you...obviously at a different level. God Bless You.