Marvin “Mike” Harold Solberg, 90, passed away on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at home in Great Falls.

Mike was born in Forks, Montana, on June 9, 1924, to Simon S. and Olive (Friggard) Solberg. He had a busy and active childhood while growing up on the Hi-Line with his three brothers, Selmer, Arnie and Orville; and two sisters, Hazel and Grace.

Mike married Caroline M. Kuntz in 1944. They lived on the Hi-Line until he went into the service. Mike spent two years in the Army in Fort Lewis, Washington, from 1945-1946. After his military time, Mike relocated to the Flathead Valley. He and Carol had four children while living in the community of Evergreen and later moved the family south of Kalispell to the farm. They were later divorced. The family spent many enjoyable hours boating and skiing at their Echo Lake cabin. He ran a trucking business with his brothers. Later he worked for the Royal Logging Company of Columbia Falls for many years. He started out driving a logging truck and then moved up to a foreman position supervising the hauling and distribution of logs, maintenance and purchasing of equipment.  

He married Ardith Tobias but they later divorced. He retired from the Royal Logging position and started a new farming enterprise in Othello, Washington. He was always a “farmer at heart.” In Othello, he purchased land and developed an irrigated farming operation. He raised pinto beans, corn, peas and potatoes in various rotations. The peak of his farming operation included five irrigation circles. He eventually leased out his land and tractors to other farmers but continued to oversee the daily operation.  He enjoyed watching the crops grow and the harvesting. He loved John Deere equipment and became an avid John Deere promoter.

Mike was a kind, gentle and fair man. He was always concerned about family and friends. He cared about things being done correctly. He had a special affection for his Dachshunds. He traveled back to Montana several times a year to visit his daughters and their families. He was always ready to pitch in and help with their projects. He moved back to Montana due to health issues in December 2007, to live near Walt and Vicki Johnson on their ranch at Raynesford. He enjoyed helping with and being involved with ranch activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; and his son, Nick.  

Mike is survived by three daughters, Sandi Solberg of Kalispell, Vicki Johnson and husband Walt of Raynesford, and Susan Solberg of Kalispell; a sister, Grace and husband Bud Cowell of Colbert, Washington; 11 grandchildren, Nicky Bart, John Lynn, Kimber, P.J., Ben, J.J., Becky, Lisa, Brenda, Kendra and Brent; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mike’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and sign Mike’s guest book.