Shirley Ann Solberg-Swenson

Shirley Solberg Swenson died on Sunday, May 17, 2015 after a long journey with Alzheimers. She died like she lived, with quiet dignity. Shirley was born on Oct. 20, 1926. To Ruth (Holl) and Leroy Likens in Portage, Wi. She married Clayton C. Solberg in 1945. Clayton and Shirley began their married life at the Air Force base in Dothan, Alabama where Clayton trained fighter pilots. After the war, they moved back to their native Wisconsin and raised their growing family. Shirley loved raising her children and possessed a life long passion for books, which she instilled in all of her children. She was involved with the Rosary Club, Book Clubs, Jazz Clubs, politics and antiquing. Shirley was known for her intellect and quick wit. Shirley had an open door policy and there was always room at the table for one more plate. Clayton preceded her in death in 1982. Six years later she expanded her family and added a lot more plates to the table by marrying Myron Swenson. Shirley and Myron turned their love of antiques into a business and were among the founding members of the Antique Center in downtown La Crosse. They also travelled extensively across the US and Europe. They were married for 16 years when Myron passed away. The memories she held on to the longest were of her childhood in Portage, her early life with Clay, her adventures with Myron and all the wonderful times she spent with family.

Shirley’s survivors include: 7 Children:
Stephen Solberg(Diane Armani)-LaCrosse, Thomas (Vicki) Solberg- Madison, Daniel (Peg)Solberg- Verona, Wi, Mary Solberg (Patrick Kirchberg)- St Paul, Mn, Mike (Debbie) Solberg- Galesville, Wi, Linda (Dave)Losen- LaCrosse, Nancy Solberg- Madison Wi
11 Grandchildren:
Peter Solberg, Sarah(Aaron) Konkel, Tim Solberg, Jeff Solberg, Beth (Scott) Daigger, Susan Solberg, Clayton Solberg, Spencer Solberg, Connor Losen, Cole Losen and Rebecca Solberg (Roger Wenodover), who lovingly cared for her Grandmother for the last 6 years of her life.

3 Great Grandchildren:
Zane Solberg, Noah Sichel, Sophie Daigger

Sister, Ann(Gordie) Kotinek and niece and nephew Kathy and Mark

5 Stepchildren:
Myron (Chris) Swenson- LaCrosse, Randy (Dawn) Swenson- LaCrosse, Jeanne (Steve)Wilke-Omaha, Ne, Bonnie (Dave) Folkerts-Apple Valley, Mn, Eric (Joan) Swenson- La Crosse

Numerous step grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.

She was preceded in death by husbands: Clayton Solberg and Myron Swenson, son: Jim Solberg, Granddaughters: Laura Solberg and Lynda Massage.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Pastor Dave Folkerts will officiate. Private burial will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.