Pastor Cy Solberg

Pastor Cyrus LeRoy Solberg was born November 25, 1930 to Carl and Lillian (Skjei) Solberg in Hatton, North Dakota, where he was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He attended school in Hatton, graduating in 1948. After high school he attended Mayville State University in Mayville, North Dakota, Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1956. On June 30, 1956 Cy married Betty Jo Vogtsburger at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with four children and 62 years of life together. During his years as a parish pastor, Pastor Cy served Bethany and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches at Astoria, South Dakota, Kenneth Lutheran and Blue Mound Lutheran Churches at Kenneth, Minnesota, Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, Minnesota, First English Lutheran Church in Tyler, Minnesota, and United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. He retired from Elbow Lake and he and Betty Jo moved back to Tyler, where he was busy for many years serving as an interim pastor in southwestern Minnesota. In 2014 he was named Pastor Emeritus from First English Lutheran Church. In the last few years, Cy experienced declining health. On Wednesday, January 3, 2018 he died peacefully in his sleep at Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 87 years.

Cy was a member of First English Lutheran Church. In retirement, he and Betty Jo led senior and adult retreats at Shetek Lutheran Camp. He was a long-time member of Tyler Kiwanis. Cy had a love for sports, politics, and family. He enjoyed golf, all sporting events and attending his grandchildren’s events. He loved his many visits to Little Norway Resort and Itasca State Park at Park Rapids for over 60 years. Cy had the honor of marrying and baptizing all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He recently officiated at his grandson’s wedding in Itasca State Park.

Cy is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty Jo; his children, Mark (Kelly) Solberg of Cambridge, MN, John (Lori) Solberg of Mitchell, SD, Ruth (Jim) Rupp of Ruthton, MN, and Sarah (Paul) Libbon of Duluth, MN; ten grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Solberg, Sam Solberg, Nick (Saskia) Solberg, John Solberg, Megan Solberg, Ryan Solberg, Laisa (Jimmy) Dekker, Brennen Rupp, Elizabeth Libbon, and Annalise Libbon; two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Jordan; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Solberg; and his sister, LeAnne Kae Solberg.

Blessed be his memory.