Lois (Lommen) Sollien

Lois (Lommen) Sollien, age 83, of rural Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on January 1, 2018.  Lois was born in Spring Grove to Harry and Stella (Aasum) Lommen on August 6, 1934.  She attended country schools in rural Mabel and Spring Grove.  She graduated from Spring Grove School in 1952. Lois was very active in 4-H, serving as president of the Houston County 4-H Federation.  She worked for Dr. Knutson in his medical clinic for five years before marrying Everett Sollien on January 20, 1957.  The couple farmed in rural Spring Grove from 1957 until 1959, when they moved to the farm home where she would spend the rest of her days.

Lois was very active in the daily operations on the dairy farm, in addition to serving numerous roles in church and community organizations. She was a member of the Highland Lutheran Church.  She was an inspiration and role model in 4-H again as an adult, serving in many leadership capacities.  Lois lived to always do her best, living a life of honesty and integrity.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Everett, son Mark (Darlene Larson) of Decorah, four daughters: Mary Sacquitne (Kevin Lensch) of Decorah, Michele (Lynn) Hardin of Jefferson, Iowa, Marsha (Ken) Sawle of Rushford, Minn., and Monica (Steve) Bierschenk of Wildwood, Mo.; sister Margaret (Martin) Ranzenberger of Caledonia, Minn.; and sister-in-law Pat Sollien of Rochester, Minn.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Daniel and Adam Sacquitne, Tyler, Travis (Darcy), and Taylor Hardin, Isaac, Savannah, and Saylre Sawle, and Jacob, Gabriel and Rachael Bierschenk; one great-grandchild, Eli Hardin, and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Floyd Sollien, Arden Sollien,  and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Sollien.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2018, at the Highland Lutheran Church in rural Decorah, with the Rev. Kurt Bockoven officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 4–7 p.m. Thursday, January 4 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Highland Cemetery Fund or Winneshiek County Hospice.