Soltis, John

Soltis, John Richard age 74, of Upsala, MN, died Friday, May 13, 2016, at the Country Manor Health Care & Rehab Center in Sartell, MN after a series of three strokes. It appears he made his choice on Tuesday, May 9, 2016 “not to be warehoused in a nursing home” when he begin declining food and water. Services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the Bowlus Community Center in Bollus, MN. John Soltis last wishes where to be cremated and have his ashes spread on Long Lake near Burtrum, MN. John Soltis was born on June 24, 1941 in Elmdale Township, Morrison County, Minnesota the son of Harry J. & Helen G. (George) Soltis. He graduated from Upsala High School, Class of 1959. Following high school, he was appointed as a cadet to West Point, and then served as Armor Intel Specialist in the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged on August 6, 1962, he worked on the railroad before becoming a police officer in Minneapolis where he received commendations in 1967 and 1968. He retired from the police force after being injured in the line of duty while performing an arrest as an undercover Morals Officer. He enjoyed finishing which included catching a 20 lb 4 oz northern pike. He enjoyed coaching softball including a state championship women’s slow pitch team in 1985. He was an avid horse handicapper. He enjoyed cribbage, and numerous other card games. He was a collector of antiques including a large collection of Depression Glass. He was fairly handy doing electrical work in spare time for friends and restoring a 1928 Gulbersan Player Piano over a three year period. He is survived by his son, Derek “DJ” Soltis along with grandchildren, Zoe Soltis and Holden Soltis; son, Edward Stumpf; siblings, David (Jean) Soltis of St. Francis, MN, Mary Lou (Roger) Suchy of Brooklyn Center, MN, James “Sam” Soltis of Leonard, MN, Ralph Soltis of Bruno, MN, Pat (Rick) Erlandson of Maple Grove, MN, Marvin “Butch” (Tera) Soltis of McFarland, WI, Kathy Johnson FL, Arlene “Annie” (Darrell) Larsen of Royalton, MN, Chuck (Shirley) Soltis of Little Falls, MN, and Harold “Gopher” (Bonnie) Soltis of Rice, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Published on May 23, 2016
https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/137388/?fullname=john-richard-soltis