Francis R. Solberg, 96, rural Ettrick, beloved husband of Beverly and dear dad to Pauline, Ralph, and Ryan, passed away Friday, December 27, 2013 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 31st at French Creek Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick. The Rev. Anna Sorenson will officiate, with burial in French Creek Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at the church, and again at 10 a.m. Tuesday, one hour before the service.

Born on October 16, 1917 on the Solberg Homestead in rural Ettrick, he was the firstborn to Bertha (Lebakken) and Melvin Solberg. He attended Oak Ridge School.

He married Beverly (Thompson) on June 5, 1948 at French Creek Lutheran Church.

In his early career he drove truck for his uncle Henry Solberg, sold Ford cars for Maurice Casey in Ettrick, and worked for Land O' Lakes in Whitehall. In 1956 he returned to French Creek to pursue dairy farming on the family farm owned by Beverly's parents, Arthur and Mildred (Linderud) Thompson. He also picked apples at Sacia Orchards and did carpentry with Gerald Berg.

Francis cherished his family and enjoyed visiting with family, friends and neighbors. He left a legacy of faith, caring for others, and a strong work ethic.

He was an active lifelong member of French Creek Lutheran Church and he served on the church council and as treasurer of the congregation. He was a Director for the Ettrick Co-op Creamery and was on the Board of Directors for Arcadia A-G Creamery. He and Beverly were general leaders of the Frenchville Cloverleaves 4-H Club. Francis was a member of the Sons of Norway Fagernes Lodge 5-616. His travels took him to points throughout the U.S. and Scandinavia.

Remembering him with love include his wife of 65 years, Beverly; three children: Pauline (Ronald) Haug, Sparta; Ralph (Renee) Solberg, Kasson, MN; Ryan (Susan) Solberg, Arlington Heights, IL; five grandchildren Kari (Brian) Eickhoff and Leah Solberg; Erik, Matthew, and Alexander Solberg; and two great- grandchildren Audrey and Emmett Eickhoff; dear sister Lillie (Hiram) Haugen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by dear siblings Arnold (Alvera) Solberg, Vivian (George) Shay, Geneva (Paul) Barnes and Leona (Casper) Erickson, sister-in-law LaMae (Waldo) Mikelson, and uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

The family wishes to thank Gundersen staff at Galesville and LaCrosse for his care.

Memorials may be designated to French Creek Lutheran Church or Gundersen Medical Foundation.