James
Solsten, 76
Thief River Falls - James Solsten, 76, died Tuesday, June 29, 1999 at his home in Thief River Falls.
Mass of Christian burial was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls with Father Tim Bushy officiating. Kristi LaSalle was the organist, and Rob and Shelly Burkel were the cantors. Casketbearers were Mike Lehrer, Frank Womack, Lori Sorvig, Les Torgerson, Deb Ernst, Janese Buzzell, Randy Harger and Tim Benton. Burial was in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
James Solsten was born on April 14, 1923 in Breckenridge, the son of James Arthur and Myrtle Rose (Voves) Solsten. The family moved to Fargo, ND where Jim attended school, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1941. On November 13, 1942 he was united in marriage to Eloise Horner at Carroll, Iowa. The couple lived in Fargo.
James joined the U.S. Army in 1942. In 1954, he graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in music. He did further graduate work in music theory and composition at the University of Minnesota. He began his teaching career in Villard, MN in 1954.
In 1956, Jim became the orchestra instructor in Thief River Falls where he taught for 29 years. He played in the Thief River Falls Community Band and also the Grand Forks Symphony for 10 years.
Jim was an artist in water and oils, an avid photographer, pilot and glider instructor and enjoyed golfing and sailing.
He was a member of the American Legion, St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Knight's of Columbus, Golden Kiwanis and the Elks.
Jim is survived by Jeanne Harger of Thief River Falls; one daughter Catherine Bell of St. Paul; two sons, John (DeAnna) of Lakeshore and Mike (Cindy) of Thief River Falls; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise on November 29, 1994 and his parents. A00003B1999JL07