Lila Ann (Hermanson) Solberg

Lila Ann (Hermanson) Solberg, 86, of Whitehall, gracefully departed this life at midnight
on Monday, April 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 3, 1937, in Whitehall, Wisconsin, Lila was the daughter of Helmer and
Gladys (Hagen) Hermanson. Raised on a dairy farm in Welch Coulee, she embraced
the rustic and simple beauty of farm life, participating in farm chores like driving the
tractor, baling hay and caring for the cows. Her educational journey began at Brookside
Country School, a facility without modern conveniences like electricity and plumbing.
She continued her studies at Blair High School, where she was honored and humbled to
be crowned homecoming queen. Sewing became one of her passions, and she and her
high school friends enjoyed crafting their dresses for special events. The excursions to
and from the lively dances at Club Midway and the Lakeshore Pavilion in Hixton
involved lots of laughter and a little mischief.
Following her graduation from Blair High School in 1955, Lila began her life of
adventure and service. She wed Wallace Solberg of Blair and accompanied him on
military assignments to Arkansas and Germany. This afforded the opportunity to explore
the landscapes of Norway, France, Sweden and Switzerland, creating memories that
would last a lifetime.
Upon returning to Whitehall, Lila dedicated herself to various roles within the
community. She worked at the Whitehall Clinic, Trempealeau County Courthouse and
eventually the Montgomery Ward store while her youngest was still in a stroller. She
actively engaged in volunteer activities at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and as a cub
scout den mother. She found immense joy in supporting her children’s endeavors,
whether cheering from the bleachers at sporting events or nurturing their academic
pursuits.
Following life-changing events, she paved her own path forward and pursued her
passion for nursing. She attended WWTC in La Crosse, after which she became one of
Arcadia’s first Certified Nursing Assistants. Nursing became a calling for her, as she
exhibited unwavering compassion and dedication to those in her care. Her commitment
to excellence led her to further her education at Winona Technical College, ultimately
earning her LPN certification and serving at Tri-County Memorial Hospital, where she
provided comfort and support to countless individuals in need. She was often requested
by name when it came to administering medications by injection because, as one
elderly gentleman put it, “you’re a good sticker.”
The music of Neil Diamond was where she found solace and inspiration while attending
nursing school. She became a fan for life and among one of her fondest memories was
attending one of Neil’s concerts in the Twin Cities with her daughter, Lisa. Lila also was
a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. She rarely missed a football game, eagerly marking
her calendar with each season’s schedule.
Upon retiring in 2005, Lila reveled in the opportunity to spend time with her children and
grandchildren, adding laughter and song to daily activities. She enjoyed traveling to La

Crosse, to Stevens Point, and the state of Washington, with sister Jeanne
accompanying her on a few visits. She embraced life’s simple pleasures, such as
finding joy in nature walks, tasting a berry or two along the way. She loved flowers,
especially lilac bushes which reminded her of her quiet days on the farm. An avid
reader, Lila loved books on plants and gardening. She also liked to read and discuss
historical events and various religions. Her book collection was robust and diverse, as
well as her appetite for learning. Described as “young at heart,” Lila approached each
day with humor, optimism and resilience. Happiness to her was driving the country
roads, exploring new terrain, and a table conversation with a warm cup of coffee and a
slice of pie. Simply sitting around the table and chatting the evening away was a
wonderful joy.
Lila is survived by her daughters, Lisa Strange of LaCrosse, WI, and Wendy (Kort)
Korthuis-Smith of Whidbey Island, WA; her cherished son, Wade (Jackie) Solberg of
Stevens Point, WI; adored grandchildren, Jacob Strange (Anna) of Appleton, Grace
Korthuis-Smith of Spokane, WA, and Claire Korthuis-Smith of Oak Harbor, WA, as well
as her dear sisters, Jeanne Hermanson of LaCrosse, WI and Harriet (Larry) Hessler of
West Salem. She is also survived by nephews and nieces Terry, Julie, Joan and Mark
(Thorson); Allen Dean and Denise (Hermanson), and Duane, Rod and Lamond
(Hessler) and all of their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Helmer and Gladys Hermanson; her
brother, Orland Hermanson and her sister, Alta Thorson.
A celebration of Lila’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with visitation beginning
at 4:00 p.m. followed by a service at 6:00 p.m. at the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall.
Mr. Scott Brown will officiate.
Lila’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Trempealeau County Housing Authority
staff, St. Croix Hospice who were a blessing, and to the Whitehall Fire Department, Tri-
County Ambulance and Gundersen Tri-County Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trempealeau County
Humane Society.