Mary Ellen Solberg, age 104, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 10, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mary Ellen lived an extraordinary life spanning more than a century. Through every chapter of her 104 years, she embodied kindness, resilience, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle Solberg, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure, and by her son, Thomas Solberg.

She is survived by her son, Dennis and his longtime partner Sally, daughter-in-law Gail Solberg, Carolyn Solberg; grandchildren Christopher (Janelle), Benjamin (Jessica), Stephanie, Katie, and Laurie; many cherished great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

Mary Ellen believed in giving back to her community. Throughout her life she generously volunteered her time to her church, Cub Scouts, Plymouth Christian Youth Center, and at the Dunn County Fair. Mary Ellen was always there to help family and friends when needed. She valued education and attended Macalester College and eventually began a career as a teller at TCF Bank in St. Paul where she relished chatting with all her customers.

Life was meant to be enjoyed, and Mary Ellen embraced it with enthusiasm. She downhill and cross-country skied, was an avid golfer, snowmobiler, and longtime member of a billiards league. She and Lyle loved square dancing together and creating friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Blessed with many talents, Mary Ellen was also an accomplished artist, organist, and singer.

She cherished spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, where she built lasting friendships and enjoyed the sunshine. Summers were spent on Lake Tainter, where family and friends gathered around her table and aboard the pontoon. Some of the happiest memories include evenings cruising the lake, Manhattan in hand, laughter echoing across the water, and long card games that often stretched well into the night. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome, well-fed, and loved.

Above all else, Mary Ellen's greatest pride was her family. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every visit, and delighted in watching her family grow across four generations. Her warmth, wisdom, strength, and remarkable sense of fun left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Ellen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, adventure, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

The family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Lyle and Thomas and is forever at peace.

A memorial service for Mary Ellen will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 28 at Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4420 20th Street, Elk Mound, WI, with Pastor Hal Schroetter officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at the Big Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, Eau Claire is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.lenmarkfh.com.