Dan Lee Solberg passed away peacefully February 19,2024.

Dan was born February 3, 1943, to Bert and Esther Solberg at their home near Glad Valley, South Dakota. After his father's sudden death in the fall of 1943, Dan moved with his family to Isabel, South Dakota, where Esther supported their family by working as a cook at the local café. After Esther remarried and moved to a ranch in 1953, Dan continued to live in town with other members of the Isabel community, learning from a young age how to take care of himself. He graduated from Isabel high school in 1961. After graduation from high school, he taught in several country schools to earn enough money to attend college and pursue a degree in education. Dan attended Blacks Hills State in Spearfish, South Dakota, graduating in 1969 with a degree in education.

On August 16,1969, Dan married Sharon Kay Soelzer in Sturgis, SD, and they moved to Bison, SD where they began their teaching careers. In 1973, Dan took a full-time position with the Army National Guard in Mobridge, South Dakota, to better support his family. In 1977, the family moved to the Soelzer family ranch near Piedmont, South Dakota, and Dan resumed his teaching career at Piedmont elementary school as well as began work on his master's degree in education at Black Hills State. He attended classes on nights and weekends, and the family lived in a camper during the summer while Dan attended classes at the University of South Dakota. Dan completed his master's degree and worked as an elementary principal and high school English teacher in Glenham, SD, for 2 years before being hired in 1983 as the elementary principal In Alcester, SD, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

Together Dan and Sherry raised three sons, Jeremy (1972), Nathan (1975), and Eric (1978). Having grown up without a father, and without a stable family environment, Dan committed himself to being the best father he could be. He taught his sons, in word and deed, how to be men of faith, character, loyalty, and perseverance. He showed his sons how to be fathers and stewards of the God-given blessings in their lives.

"Grandpa Dan" loved his family, and this was never more apparent than in how he adored his grandchildren. He loved to play with them in the yard, make cookies, banana bread, and Chex mix with them, and go to their many events and games.

Just as Dan's life was defined by his love of family and commitment to the education of his students, so to was it defined by his faith. He was passionate about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and let that passion be clear to all in how he lived his life. He loved to sing old hymns at the top of his voice, and was known to offer a hearty "Amen!" from the pew when the pastor's message moved him. He was devoted to his faith and his church, and was a long-time member of Big Springs Baptist Church, serving in many leadership roles including as a deacon.

Dan is survived by his sister Beverly Lindskov (Lorie), sons Jeremy (Nicole), Nathan (Becky), and Eric (Annie), and his beloved grandchildren: Benjamin, Megan, Jacob, Kate, Isaac, Emma, Lane, and Leah. He was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Esther, sisters Betty, Denaldo, Corine, and brother Wayne.

Funeral services will be held at Big Springs Baptist Church in rural Alcester, SD, at 2PM Saturday, February 24, 2024.