Russell George Solheim

Russell George Solheim went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Ridgewood Care Center in Racine. On August 25, 1921, Russell was born to Sigmund and Elizabeth (nee: Bergsland) Solheim in Racine, WI. Russell’s faith was extremely important to him and he lived out that faith throughout his life. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He graduated from Park High School. Russell apprenticed as a plumber under his father. He worked as a marine pipe fitter at the Leathem B. Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, WI. While in Sturgeon Bay, he volunteered for service in the United States Army Air Corps from 1943 until 1945. Russell attended Augsburg College and Seminary in Minneapolis, MN, where he received a B.A. in History. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Russell was employed at Rap-in-Wax Paper Company and automated the wax paper line production. He further went on to become the resident engineer with Bethany Fellowship Missionary Training Center in Bloomington, MN, where he designed equipment to efficiently produce wood products and Lefse Grills. He designed immersible Lefse grill and obtained U.L. approval for the plate. Russell was active at Bethany by attending Bible classes, singing in the choir and performing solos. He also assisted at the children’s mission in downtown Minneapolis for seven years. He returned to Racine and worked at AMC/Chrysler for nineteen years and retired in 1988. Russell was active in the EAA Chapter 838. He continued his exploits in aviation by building a helicopter and getting a patent on a new blade design. His goal was to develop a flying car. Russell and his idea appeared on the front page of the Racine Journal Times. He was a very loving and great man who will be missed dearly. Left to cherish Russell’s memory is his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy L. (nee: Solheim) and William Schalk of Wind Point, WI; niece, Cheryl (nee: Nelson) (Richard) King of Eden Prairie, MN; nephews: David (Maureen) Nelson of Channessen, MN, and Steve (Angie) Nelson of Middleboro, MS; and his brother-in-law, Stanford Nelson of Andover, MN. Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Sigmund and Elizabeth Solheim and his sister, Marcella T. Solheim. Funeral services for Russell will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 14, 2017, at United Lutheran Church (3825 Erie St, Racine, 53402). A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, July 14, 2017, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park will full Military Honors. The family has suggested memorials United Lutheran Church (3825 Erie St, Racine, 53402) and the Salvation Army (1901 Washington Ave, Racine, 53403). The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ridgewood Medical Center 1 East for their loving and professional care and to Hospice Alliance for their loving care as Russell completed his journey to meet his Lord.

Russell George Solheim

August 25, 1921 - July 8, 2017