Dennis A. Solfest

Dennis A. Solfest, 66, of Eau Claire, died Sunday, September 4, 2016, of a heart attack. He was born in Eau Claire on March 22, 1950, the oldest son of Sidney and Edna (nee Sterry) Solfest. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1968. Denny loved baseball and played catcher on Little League, Babe Ruth, and later, recreational softball teams. His amazing talent at repairing cars was honed at Irv Steen’s gas station, where he started while still in high school. He worked as a machine operator or maintenance person at Gould, WRR, and Spectrum Industries. He liked to go deer hunting and fishing with his relatives, and rode his motorcycle when he got the chance. He enjoyed carpentry and computers, and developed an interest in family history. In 1974, he married Patricia Boland and they made their home in Eau Claire, raising their three children: Tim, Kimberly, and David. Denny enjoyed leading the family on camping trips around the country and watching his children’s school, church, and sporting events. He felt great pride in seeing each of his children graduate from college and go on to find their vocations. After retirement, Denny found he had a new calling as devoted grandpa to his four grandchildren: Andres, Santiago, Eli and Ana Emilia. They brought light to his life and he found it impossible to ever say no to them. He will be remembered by neighbors, family, and friends as someone always willing to help. His love of family will remain with his wife, children, and grandchildren forever and he will be deeply missed. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Edna (nee Sterry) Solfest; his grandparents, Palmer and Mabel Solfest and Nettie and Edward Sterry; an infant sister; mother-in-law, Mary Boland; and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Tim (Jennifer) Solfest, Kimberly (Andres) Carrillo, and David Solfest; grandchildren, Andres, Santiago, Elijah, and Ana Emilia Carrillo; honorary grandson, Williamns Ruiz Santos; brothers, James (Paula) Solfest, Greg (Karen) Solfest, and Bradley Solfest; aunts, Florence Olson and Gladys Sterry; and uncle, Albin Sterry; brothers-in-law, John (Susannah) Boland, Dennis (Ann) Boland, and James Boland; father-in-law, John Boland Sr.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to thank the many neighbors, family, and friends who have provided support throughout this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Children’s Hospital and Clinic of Minnesota Foundation, 2525 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404, or the charity of their choice. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at Newman Parish at the Ecumenical Center, 110 Garfield Avenue in Eau Claire, with Fr. Dan Oudenhoven officiating. Parking will be available at the Hibbard parking lot. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the Mass at the Newman Parish. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery
5750 Old Town Hall Road
Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, September 9 2016
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, September 10 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center
110 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, September 10 2016
11:00 AM

Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center
110 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701