Arnold M. Solberg

Arnold M. Solberg, Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully September 16, 2012, at the age of 94 under the care of Hospice.

Arnold Melvin Solberg was born December 31, 1917, in Fargo, ND, to Anton and Agnes (Lindahl) Solberg. He had one older brother, Arthur, who died in 1924 from diphtheria.

He was raised in Fargo, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1936. In 1934, he began working part time at Fargo Glass and Paint Co. He then began working there full time after graduation.

On August 16, 1940, he married Rae Miller. The following year, he enlisted in what was then called the Air Corps. He became a pilot and went on to be a flight instructor for the B-25 Bomber. After completing his duty in the service, he returned to Fargo in 1945. At that time he continued his 54 year-long career at Fargo Glass and Paint.

Arne had a long history with Fargo Glass, becoming the manager of the paint department. His wife, Rae, worked there also, until her death in 1982. He semi-retired in 1984, however, continued working part time until 1990. He served on their Board of Directors until recently because of his health issues.

Arne had many interests through his life, including owning horses and participating in horse shows. He was always a “car buff”. At any given time, he would own two, and even three cars. He had two doors, four doors, convertibles, station wagons, and even a dune buggy. He drove the first Corvette in Fargo when it was introduced in 1953. He was currently a member of the North Star Mustang Club and enjoyed showing his 2006 Mustang Convertible at local car shows.

In 1974 he joined the Fargo Country Club, becoming a huge golf enthusiast. He caddied there when he was a young man. Although he gave up golfing several years ago, he remained extremely interested in the sport through his continued membership in the club and watching televised tournaments.

He was very much a “handy man”. He could fix anything. If anyone, family or friend, ever needed anything fixed, Arne was the man. He was always teased about being “handy with his hands”. He always had projects and could build almost anything.

Arne is survived by a niece, Julene Cargill, Minneapolis, MN; nephew, Brad (Deona) Grondahl, Fargo, ND; two great-nephews, Troy (Amy) Grondahl, Chandler, AZ, and Jeffrey Grondahl, Minneapolis, MN; one great-great niece and nephew; and long-time special friend, Shelley Weidner. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his brother.

A sincere thank you to Drew Nelson for his exceptional care as Arne’s “body guard” the last year. Memorials are preferred to the Fargo Air Museum, Dakota Boys Ranch, or Olivet Lutheran Church.

A Celebration of Arne’s life will be held at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, Thursday, September 20, 2012, at 10:30AM, with visitation one hour prior to the service. His final resting place will be at Riverside Mausoleum, Fargo, ND.

Arne's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm