Geraldine E. Sohlstrom

Geraldine "Gerry" Elizabeth Sohlstrom, 84 of Hoyt Lakes, completed her life's journey on Earth the same way in which she lived, with grace and dignity, on Sunday November 4, 2012 at Chris Jensen Nursing Home. Gerry was born May 12, 1928 in Duluth to Clarence and Elizabeth (Mortel) Walter. She grew up in Duluth and attended Cathedral High School. On Oct. 2, 1948, she was united in marriage to Duane Sohlstrom, the love of her life. They lived in Duluth until moving to Hoyt Lakes in 1957, becoming pioneers in the new range town. Gerry was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church throughout her residence in Hoyt Lakes. Her faith in God was very important to her and she was very active at Faith Lutheran, being involved in circle, singing in the choir, serving as a lecter and other ministries. Volunteering at the White Community Hospital Nursing Home was rewarding for Gerry. Calling Bingo games and organizing worship for the residents were some of her favorites. She loved music and always attended concerts and events at Aurora – Hoyt Lakes and Mesabi East, as well as all across the range. She was also involved with the Hoyt Lakes Senior Center. In the 1940's Gerry was an operator for Bell Telephone. After her children were in school she worked at the Dairy Bar, and she retired from the White Community Hospital Laundry Department. Family was very important to Gerry. She was her kids and grand-kids biggest fan. She never missed an event in which they participated. She and Duane never missed a family reunion and traveled all around the U.S. And Costa Rica to visit relatives, friends, and AFS family. Gerry and Duane spent several winters in Texas after Duane's retirement. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, Duane “Salt” in 1991; and an infant grand-daughter. Those who remain to cherish her memory include her daughters; Kathy (Bob) Tarnowski of Cloquet, Bonnie (Bob) LaFrenier of Hoyt Lakes, son Dale (Pat) Sohlstrom of Duluth Township; grandchildren Josh Anderson, Steve LaFrenier, Lisa (Matt) Vandervort, Mike (Laura) LaFrenier, Omega (Dave) Szweduik, Thor (Jeni George) Sohlstrom, Laura (Mark) Johnson; great-grandchildren Paige, Cooper, Taylor, Emma and Orion; sisters Jeanne Ruegg and Kaye Williams; AFS sons Nando and Hugo; former son-in-law Iver Anderson; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Gerry's family would like to say “Thank You” to the staff at Chris Jensen for their compassion and loving care of our mother. Visitation will be held 5-7 PM Wednesday November 7 at Ziemer Moeglein Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora and also one hour before the funeral at church. Funeral service will be held 11 AM Thursday, November 8, at Faith Lutheran Church of Hoyt Lakes. Interment will take place at Sunrise Cemetery in Duluth, Pastor Brendan Johnston officiating.