Gerald Solien

With a well-lived life, Gerald Donald Solien passed away on January 28th, 2026, at the age of 96 years. He had received excellent care at CHI St. Francis for the last seven years of his life. His care, in his final days, was provided by CHI Hospice and CHI St. Francis.

Gerald (Jerry) was born on April 15th, 1929, to Oscar and Josphine (Thomson) Solien of Wahpeton, North Dakota. He was the oldest of three children. Jerry began his elementary education in Kent, Minnesota, where he had to walk up hill, both ways, until he moved to Breckenridge in the 4th grade, with his family. He graduated in 1948 with dreams of becoming a history teacher, as he was proficient in remembering dates/events. His father had other plans and thought it would be best that he join the work force, thus the longevity with the Great Northern Railroad of 42 years. His duties were those of a welder and a section laborer. The rails between Breckenridge and the Montana border were always in excellent repair, as he was proud of his work.

Jerry met the love of his life, Eileen Olson, on a blind date, and it was love at first sight. After four years of dating, they were married on November 22nd, 1950. They lived in Wahpeton for one year and then moved to Breckenridge, raising their three children, Julie, Michael, and David. Jerry and Eileen celebrated 50 years of marriage on November 22nd, 2000.

With working out of town for most of his career, Jerry had limited time for hobbies. He enjoyed the outdoors as he walked/biked, up to 8 miles a day. In the evenings, he would sit outside his home on 5th Street, watching cars drive past. Jerry stated that if the drivers waved, the vehicle was paid off. He also enjoyed football, following the Breckenridge Cowboys, NDSU Bison, and the Minnesota Vikings. He had a generous spirit and gave willingly of his time. Jerry loved to help his elderly neighbors by visiting with them and running errands. He was active in his church, serving as an usher for Mass and assisting with the funeral dinners for many years.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen (2000); his sons, Michael (1984) and David (2005); brothers, Theodore and Roger; sister-in-law Marlys Litton; brother-in-law Gerald Toso; his nephew, Todd Kjellerup; and niece, Diane (Toot) Marthaler.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Julie (Lonny) Mortenson; four grandchildren, Amber (Michael) Lyons, Jacob (Denise) Schnaible, Erin (Joseph) Schuman and Dane (Kayla) Mortenson; He is also so proud of his ten great grandchildren, Bennett and Brittan Lyons, Alora Nyberg and Thor Schnaible, Abygehl, Elijah, Quintynn and Olivea Schuman, and Evan and Jett Mortenson. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Karen Toso, Eleanor Solien, and Gloria Solien; brother-in-law, Phillip Litton, and thirteen nieces and nephews. His kindness lives in each one of them, as they heard him say, “Have a good day, and a better one tomorrow”.

The family would like to thank Jeffrey and Lori Kubitz and family, Dean and Janet Dahl and family, and G.B. and Bonnie Schneider and family for all of the support and love that was shown to Jerry over the many years of their friendship.

A Visitation will be held at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Minnesota, on April 9th from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on the 9th of April at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge. Inurnment will occur following his service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dad, thanks to you and Mom for the love that carries me through life. Thank you for the memories that will never fade away. You were my foundation, my joy, and my greatest blessing. Each day, in my own way, I honor your lives. Though it breaks my heart to miss the home we all shared, I find peace in knowing that when we meet again, it will be forever.

Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's School.