Obituary of Robert Victor Solmon

Robert Victor Solmon, known to most as Bob, entered into God’s glory on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 80. Surrounded by his loving family, Bob passed away peacefully after receiving the Holy Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

 

Bob was born on May 18, 1944 to Victor and Marie (DuChene) Solmon in Callaway, Minnesota. He grew up on the family dairy farm just north of town with his siblings, Cecelia (CeCe), George, Marilyn, and Joseph (Joe). His childhood on the farm was filled with happy memories, a strong work ethic, and the warmth of family love—a foundation that shaped the rest of his life.  Bob often said, “I’ve been surrounded by love my entire life.”

 

In 1965, Bob proudly joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Communications, primarily stationed in Germany. During his service, he made the most of his time abroad, traveling throughout Europe at every opportunity. He returned to Minnesota upon completing his military service in 1968 and soon after met Joanne Claire Schonhardt. The two were married on October 24,1970 and built a life of love and faith together, first in Ogema, MN, and later in Grapevine, TX.

 

Bob and Joanne were blessed with three children: Allan Robert Solmon (Colleyville, TX), Barbara Joanne Dela Cruz (Grapevine, TX), and Sara Marie Carr (Colleyville, TX).

 

Always the entrepreneur and tireless inventor, Bob was involved in several ventures throughout the years. In Minnesota, Bob and Joanne owned a gas station & radiator repair shop while he worked for Land O’ Lakes. In 1986, the family moved to Texas where Bob continued his industrious and creative ways. Bob started a full-service landscaping company and later a successful long-haul trucking company. 

 

Deeply involved in his community and church, Bob’s generosity and outgoing nature left a lasting impact. He and Joanne shared a love for square dancing, founding a square dance club in Grapevine and spending weekends with friends as Bob called dances across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His love of music extended to his participation in the St. Francis of Assisi choir, and he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Always ready to give back, Bob dedicated time and energy to both his church and his community.

 

In retirement, Bob began driving a school bus for the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, where his dedication and kind spirit earned him the Transportation Division’s Employee of the Year award. An avid cyclist, Bob remained active and adventurous, continuing to ride until just weeks before his passing. Known for his endless curiosity and knack for fixing anything, Bob loved to tinker, and his grandchildren fondly declared, “Give it to Grandpa—he can fix anything.”

 

Over the past decade, Bob and Joanne took to the open road in their shared love of travel, exploring the country in their beloved camper. Highlights included serving as campground hosts in Yellowstone National Park, camping on the beaches of California, and enjoying road trips around the Midwest with life-long friends. Summers often found them in Minnesota, reconnecting with family and old friends. Bob enjoyed the outdoors and felt close to God when in nature, whether mowing the church grounds, fiddling in his wood working shop or simply marveling at the beauty of creation while he smoked his pipe on his favorite bench.

 

A devout Catholic, Bob attended Mass faithfully throughout his life and maintained a deep relationship with God. Whether driving his truck or riding his tractor, Bob spent countless hours in prayer and conversation with his Lord. His unwavering faith was the cornerstone of his life and an inspiration to all who knew him.

 

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Joanne; his children, Allan (wife Suzie, grandchildren Zachary, Nicholas, and Ethan), Barbara (grandchildren Wilfine (Andy), Victor (Alex), and Maya), and Sara (husband John, grandchildren Jackson, Kate, Blake, Maddie, and Kendall). He is reunited in Heaven with his parents, Victor and Marie Solmon; his sister, Cecelia Stalberger; and son-in-law Clinton Beer.

 

Bob will be remembered for his genuine love for people, his contagious smile, and his deep devotion to God and family.

 

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday January 6th, 2024, at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Grapevine, TX. His Funeral Mass will take place in the spring at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema, MN, followed by the Rite of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Callaway, MN. Specific dates for these services will be announced at a later time.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the St. Francis Outreach fund or The National Parks Conservation Association in Robert (Bob’s) name.

 

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”