Lyle Solem

Lyle Duane Solem, age 93, of Rochester, MN passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth.

Lyle was born November 7, 1932, in Clear Lake, South Dakota to Orville and Ruth (Schaefer) Solem. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1950, served in the US Army from 1953-1955 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University in 1959.

After marrying Donna M. Angle on June 28, 1959, they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he began his career at General Motors, AC Spark Plug Division, developing guidance systems for the Titan Missile. In June 1960, Lyle and Donna relocated to Rochester, Minnesota where he worked at BM for 27 years. During that time, he continued his education with courses at University of Minnesota, Winona State University, and Vanderbilt University and earned his master's from Purdue/Saint Mary's University. At age 54, Lyle started his own business, Solem Associates, a management consulting firm with clients in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Lyle and Donna were blessed with three daughters. They both enjoyed being involved in and watching their daughters' activities and serving the community. Lyle was on the Board of directors for River Trails Girl Scout Council for 25 years, the Board of Samaritan Bethany, a 15-year member of the SDSU Foundation Council, charter member of the Sunrisers Kiwanis Club, past Kiwanis International Governor for the South Dakota/North Dakota/Minnesota District, two-time past president of the Zumbro Valley Woodturners of SE Minnesota, member of Zumbro Lutheran Church, two woodturning clubs, the American Legion, and Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE). Lyle enjoyed talking to people, woodworking, traveling, camping, and listening to elementary school children read as a Kiwanis volunteer.

Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, his parents, Orville and Ruth Solem and his older brother, Richard Solem.

He is survived by his younger brother, Jerry Solem of Rogers, Minnesota; daughters Renae (Scot) Sokola of The Villages, Florida, Diane Solem of Rochester, Minnesota, and Janet (Scott) Finnesgard of Chicog, Wisconsin; grandchildren Amber (Brooks) Duesterhoeft, Michael (Laura) Finnesgard, Brent (Maria) Sokola, and Eric (Jenny Grauberger) Finnesgard; and great-grandchildren Hayden Finnesgard and Nash Duesterhoeft.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester, Minnesota.

Memorials can be directed to Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth, Rochester Public Library Children's Division, or donor's choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Solem family.