David Solheim

David Everald Solheim, 75, of Clermont, Iowa passed away Monday, November 23, 2020 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was the first child of George and Luella (Osterhus) Solheim, born in Decorah, Iowa. on February 3, 1945.  He grew up on the family farm in Castalia and David graduated from North  High School of West Union in 1962.

On April 3, 1965, Dave was united in marriage with the woman of his dreams, Linda Krueger, whom he met nine months prior. Four children were born to this union. Together with his wife, he taught them how to ride bikes, build relationships that last, select reliable woodworking & power tools and to always keep things in perspective.  His love for family was only outshined by his tremendous, unshakable faith that carried him through the good times and the inevitable bad.  

He excelled at home improvement projects, having never met a piece of scrap lumber unworthy of future use.  His generosity with his time and talents was immeasurable, and his response to project assistance requests was always the same: “Let’s get started!” He meticulously restored classic cars to their former glory, including some with his father.  He often reminisced how closely he held those memories to his heart.  Dave was known for his sense of humor and extended a warm smile, quick joke and heartfelt laugh to everyone.  His unassuming personality belied his talents and he often found solutions when it seemed none existed.  His quiet tone, resourcefulness and even-keel temperament made him a bright light in a dark room to many.  Dave loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and any televised game was guaranteed to be on, in tandem with radio play-by-play commentary.  After all, the radio broadcast was “how a guy could feel like he’s at Kinnick Stadium.”  Dave surrounded himself with his loving wife of 55 years, children, grandchildren and extended family & friends as often as possible.  He adored cuddling his grandbabies and on occasion was gently chided for his premeditated, excessive turn-taking.  He excelled at building anything he imagined, from Christmas ornaments and clocks to furniture and homes - typically at warp speed with startling accuracy.  

In earlier years, Dave worked for Quaker Oats, the State of Iowa on a survey crew, Valley Co-op and as a carpenter. Together with his brother, Phil, and friend, Ken, Dave owned and operated Tri-Lumber for two decades. He was a true craftsman who thoughtfully designed homes for his community and found great reward in the impact of his work. 

Surviving Dave are his wife, Linda Solheim; his children, Layne (Stacy Provo) Solheim, Derek (Heidi) Solheim, Heidi (Jared) Phillips and, Holly (Andrew) Whitcomb; grandchildren, Turner, Kennedy, Noah, Sam, Hudson, Cora, Everett and, Isla, and his siblings, Donald (Kathy) Solheim, Phil (Sheila) Solheim, Wanda (Pete) Tweed, Kermit (Robin) Solheim, Linda (Steve) Dunt and Deb (Todd) Bovy.

David was preceded in death by his parents, George and Luella Solheim; and grandson, Andrew Solheim (son of Derek and Heidi).  Before he stepped from this world to the next, Dave was reminded how deeply he was loved and cherished as a husband, father, brother and friend.  His unwavering mindset and life-long commitment to positivity had an extraordinary impact on others and we have been changed for the better because we knew him.  

A Celebration of Life ceremony for Dave’s family and friends will be held in the summer of 2021. 

Anyone wishing to send memorials now may direct them to Schutte-Grau Funeral Home, ATTN:  The David Solheim Family,    PO Box 973, Monona, IA 52159.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.