Oliver Solheim

Bjorn Oliver Solheim, 94, Jamestown, North Dakota died Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Central Dakota Village in Jamestown.

Mr. Solheim was born November 7, 1912 in Girard Lake Township, near Orrin, North Dakota. Oliver was the eldest son of Endre and Anna (Nessa) Solheim. He was born to Norwegian immigrants on the land his father homesteaded in 1900. He was baptized and confirmed in the Balta Lutheran Church. He attended a one room school located on land donated by his parents and grew up in the Brazil/Orrin area. Oliver married G. Elaine Dokken on December 29, 1941, after a long courtship, beginning when she boarded at the Solheim home to teach at the school his younger brothers attended. Oliver and Elaine were the first couple to be actually married in the Silva Lutheran Church. Two years later he purchased a farm located at Woodworth, ND. He was a true farmer, enjoying all aspects of his career. He took pride in the farmstead, keeping all the farm buildings in the traditional fresh bright red coat of paint, while his wife, Elaine, kept the home site beautiful with numerous flower beds and a well maintained yard across the road from the farm site. He farmed until 1974 when they decided to retire and have more time to travel.

He took pride in churches, local government and advisory positions. He served on parish council for the Woodworth Evangelical Lutheran and Atonement Lutheran in Jamestown as well as the mens group. He left his handiwork in many churches and public buildings in Woodworth and Jamestown. His last church project involved roofing Atonement Lutheran when he was 82 years old. He was active in his community serving on local school boards, township boards, civic and social organizations including Sons of Norway, Woodworth Community Center, Lutheran Brotherhood, Stutsman County Historical Society and the Farmers Union. He even served as ""pastor"" when the need arose on various occasions; sometimes getting mail addressed to ""Reverend"" Oliver Solheim.

After retiring, they continued their travels; enjoying visiting every state except Alaska and that was missed because of a battery explosion leaving him with light sensitivity.

His hobbies included planting and maintaining an acre of land including a large garden, fruit trees and yard until he was 92. He would work in fishing when ever possible and knew his wife would fry it up for him if successful. He enjoyed woodworking and did all of the finishing work on their home in Jamestown.

Oliver is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Murray, Maryville, TN and Claudette (Thomas) Zimney, Grand Fork, ND; four grandchildren: Traci Colvin and Jodi (Bill) Eanes, both of Maryville, TN; Nichole (Sean) Stanfield, Denver, CO and Michael (Karina) Zimney, West Fargo, ND and one brother, Trygve (Anna) Solheim, Minot, ND.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents; infant sister, Agnes and two brothers, Art and Ed.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Friday, November 24, 2006 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Rev. Steve Berntson officiating.

Burial: Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Jamestown Hospital Hospice and Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND.