Gerald J. “Oscar” Solheid, age 88

Gerald J. “Oscar” Solheid, age 88, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. Oscar was born on December 20, 1928 in New Prague to Joseph and Barbara (Hoofhauer) Solheid.

He was a life-long resident of the New Prague area, attending elementary school in St. Benedict and graduating from New Prague High School. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict and married Ardelle A. Schoenecker on September 2, 1961, at Union Hill.

He owned and operated Solheid Candy and Tobacco all his life. Oscar was a member of the Catholic Aid Association. He enjoyed polka and old-time music and expanded that interest as a concertina player for many years. He enjoyed visits to the casinos and playing cards, especially Sheephead and Euchre.

Having a beer at Happy Hour was “Holy Hour” for Oscar because he and his friends did it “religiously” with Father Elgar! His leisure activities were rounded out watching local baseball games, especially the St. Benedict Saints, where all his boys played.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Ardelle of New Prague; daughters, Lori (Roy) Seurer of New Prague, Lisa (Donald) Simon of New Prague, Kathy (Dennis) Palma of New Prague; sons, Mark Solheid of New Prague, Kevin (Jill) Solheid of New Prague, Kurt (Audrey) Solheid of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Samantha & Dylan Seurer, Ryan Puncochar, Madison Simon, Lindsay (Dennis) Schuette, Brandon (Mariah) Palma, Hannah Palma, Simon, Noah, Avery, & Jack Solheid; great-grandchildren, Collin & Nolan. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harland, Eugene, and an infant, also Eugene.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation took place on Tuesday from 4-8 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial occurred at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, where military honors were conducted. Lunch followed at the KC Hall.

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