Audrey Bertels Solberg, February 26, 1930 – August 2, 2011
Audrey was born to Dr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Bertels in Sandstone, Minnesota where he had established a dental practice. The next year the family moved to Slayton, Minnesota where they lived for more than 30 years. Audrey and her younger sister, Sharon, attended Slayton High School where Audrey graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1948.
Audrey met Bill, her husband for more than 60 years, in high school, and they were married at her parents’ home on March 3, 1951. Bill was in the Air Force and Audrey was graduating from St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis as an R.N.
Audrey practiced as a nurse in Phoenix while Bill was in the service (and also later in northern Minnesota). Their growing family moved back to Slayton where Bill started his career in banking. This opportunity took them to many corners of the state.
Audrey is survived by her husband, Bill, of Hendersonville, NC and her two children. Nancy C. Solberg was born in Phoenix in 1952 and William E. Solberg was born in Slayton in 1955. Nancy resides in Asheville, and her brother Bill resides in Juneau, Alaska with his wife Cindy and two children, Sarah and William. Audrey is also survived by her sister, Sharon Klasse, of Cumberland, Wisconsin.
Audrey and Bill both became Christians while living in northern
Minnesota. Audrey’s love for God’s Word was apparent her whole life. She was intensely interested in learning and reading, as evidenced by her home library of books and notes, as well as the many Bible camps and seminars she attended. She served on library boards and volunteered in Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools and hospice. She also spent much time investigating her family’s genealogy. She went abroad one summer as a volunteer to England for Campus Church, formerly of Minneapolis.
Audrey loved needlepoint and music. She played piano and organ in earlier years. She also loved collecting antiques, especially Red Wing pottery. Most of all, Audrey loved Jesus and looked forward during her long illness toward eternity with Him.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC in the Chapel at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 11. Visitation with the family starts at 9:00 am. Memoriam can be given directly to Four Seasons Hospice (FourSeasonsCFL.org/ donate) or to a charity of your choice.
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