Wallace J. ’Wally’ Solien

Wally was born May 16, 1924, to August and Ruby Solien in Averill, Minnesota. Life was good in Averill, filled with family times of fishing, hunting, pony rides, baseball, basketball and all the charms of living in a close knit rural community. At the age of 10, they moved to Moorhead, MN. Two years later his sister Beverly Jean Solien Paulson was born. Wally completed his education graduating from Moorhead High in 1942. Wally was a well rounded student and athlete participating in concert band, orchestra and choir, as well he lettered in baseball, football, basketball and track. He was honored to be named to the state tournament starting five basketball team by the State Coaches Association and the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 1942. After high school Wally lettered in 5 sports while attending Moorhead State Teachers College, and later enlisted in a US Naval training program at the University of Minnesota and while there played basketball for the Golden Gophers. During WWII he served as a Hospital Corpsman on an LST ship, outfitted as a hospital ship. It was a secret hospital ship providing first response to the wounded service men in the Pacific. They made invasions to several islands in the Philippines including Leyte as well as other sea conflicts. Wally's ship was presented with two Presidential citations for their service.After the war he returned to Moorhead, and met the love of his life Lorna Gwen Lee of Fargo, ND. They were married on August 16, 1946, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Wallace returned to Moorhead State Teachers College during that time to complete his bachelor's degree. Wallace was active as a salesman till returning to school to pursue his Masters.His true calling came when he returned to Moorhead State in 1964 to complete a Masters Degree. In 1966/67 he was the acting Dean of Men and an assistant football coach under Duane Hoberg. In 1967, he began a career as a teacher in the Moorhead School System, first teaching physical education, science and health and coaching basketball at Central Jr. High. In 1970, he transferred to Moorhead High where he taught health education and served as the golf coach until his retirement in 1986. Wally was named Regional Golf Coach of the Year and State Golf Coach of the Year in 1986. Wally loved teaching and the relationships he had with students. He always loved visiting with them when ever they met.Wally was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He created many fond memories with family at the lake, in golf outings, gardening, boating, cooking spaghetti or ribs with Mom, and giving his family the giggles through story telling and especially his wit at Christmas gatherings.Wally was a member of the MN Education Association, American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Order of Elks and Disabled American Veterans.Wally is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gwen Lee Solien; his children, Timothy Deborah of Madison, WI, Janie Olson of Fargo, ND, Daniel Kris of Falmouth, MA, Thomas Roberta of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Madeline Solien fiancé Doug Cooper, Carson Solien, Emily Erik Hatch, Maggie Olson, Gracie Solien, Emmett Solien, August Solien, Katie Solien and Peter Solien; and sister-in-law, Patricia Lee Melby.He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Ruby Solien; and sister, Beverly Jean Solien Paulson.Memorials preferred to Trinity Youth, Trinity Lutheran Church Moorhead, MSUM Athletic Foundation, and Churches United for the Homeless, or charity of choice.