Kenneth W. “Whitey” Solheid, age 65
Kenneth W. “Whitey” Solheid, age 65, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at his home. Although ALS robbed Whitey of his body, it did not take away his spirit; Whitey truly "lived" with ALS with courage, grace, and a positive attitude. Whitey was born February 21, 1952, to Wallerine “Wally” and Georgia (Choudek) Solheid. He attended elementary school in Union Hill, graduated from New Prague High School, and got his bachelors degree from St. Cloud State College. He married the love of his life, Patricia J. “Patty” Simon on June 25, 1982 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli. He worked as a mason for Cavanaugh Concrete for close to 40 years and also did concrete jobs on the side. Whitey’s leisure life revolved around sports; he was a true Minnesota fan, following the professional teams, even during losing seasons. He bowled and was an avid baseball player for both the Belle Plaine Tigers and the Union Hill Pit Bulls over-35 league. He continued that love of baseball by coaching his son, John’s, Town & Country and travelling teams. Additionally, he never missed his daughters’ gymnastics meets. He thoroughly enjoyed summer vacations with family and friends and winter vacations with friends. Many of these friends also joined Whitey in the camaraderie of one of his favorite activities, Pfeffer and a Budweiser! His greatest pride and joy, however, came in time with his grandchildren, Gia & Benny.
Whitey is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Sammi (Josh) Schultz of Byron, MN, Stephie Solheid (Ammar Killu) of Rochester, MN, John Solheid of Byron, MN; grandchildren, Georgia & Benson; siblings, Sandra Gallagher of New Prague, Jo Ann (Brad) Bauer of Faribault, Marsha Smith of Mankato, Mary Ellen (Bret) Baldwin of Shakopee, Christine (Todd) Knutson of New Prague, Joel (Debra) Solheid of New Prague, Brian Solheid of Le Center; mother-inlaw, Angie Simon of New Prague. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wally & Georgia Solheid; father-inlaw, Jim Simon; brother, John “Jackie” Solheid; brother- in-law, David Gallagher; nephew, Chad Bauer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at 10 AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli with Father John Lapensky officiating. Visitation will occur on Tuesday from 4 – 8 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Ron Busch, Ron Bruzek, Romy Seurer, Mike Prochaska, Joel Solheid, John Svoboda, and Ben Prochaska will serve as casket bearers. Lunch will follow Mass at the Legion Club in Lonsdale. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the ALS Association.
bruzekfuneralhome.com
