It is with great sadness that we announce that the Leader of the Band, Wayne S. Solberg, 96, passed away in his home 4 days shy of his 97th birthday, on September 13, 2024, with his family and faithful dog Max III, by his side.
Wayne was born an only child on September 17, 1927 (at 9:15 am, as he liked to report) In Sparta, WI to Edwin Solberg and Lila (Evenson) Solberg.
He grew up in Fish Creek Valley, just outside of Rockland.
Wayne enlisted in the Navy during WWII when he was just 17.
Much of his younger life was devoted to raising prize winning mink.
Wayne also, drove semi for 30+ years hauling steel from the Chicago area and then proudly hauling Old
Style Beer to Chicago for Gobel Freight Lines. After he “retired” from driving, he ran Dutch Mill Trucking
out of Sparta for many years.
One of Wayne’s proudest accomplishments was starting a Polka Band when he was just 16 years old,
that continued for 75 years. His band played at locations such as The Avalon, Moon Light Pavilion
and so many other ballrooms and establishments around the area.
In Wayne’s last days, he asked that we thank all those that had hired
his band for weddings, anniversaries, and miscellaneous events. He wanted
them to know that it was a privilege and a pleasure to have played so many dances
for so many wonderful people for so many years.
Wayne is survived by his children and grandchildren,
Sons, Stuart (Nancy) Solberg, his sons Terry and Christopher (Dawn) Solberg.
Peter (friend Jeannett) Solberg, his children Holly (Jamie), Bethany (Al), Kaitlyn (Aaron) and Keagan
Solberg.
Edward (Laurie) Solberg, their children Scott (Heide) Solberg and daughter, Karissa Solberg.
his Daughters, Laurie (Doug/Gus) Krueger, her daughter Lindsay Severson.
JoLynn (Todd) Oliver, their children Shelby (Robert) and Zachary (Kailee) Oliver.
Son-in-law Keith Zwack, and grandson Philip (Johnna) Mackey. He is further survived by
his 16 Great Grandchildren and A sister-in-law, Carol (Paul) Mitby.
Wayne was proceeded in death by his parents, wives, Judith (Judy) and Beverly,
Daughter, Geraldine (Jeri) Zwack and great granddaughter Alexis (Lexi) Hanson.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on November 3, 2024, at Club 16 in Sparta,
with a short prayer service and remembrance at 12:45 and
open house from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon.
Wayne’s band equipment will be set up for those musicians who wish to
come play a few sets with the family a little later in the afternoon.
We wish to thank the wonderful Nurses with Gundersen Lutheran Hospice, whose
care and compassion was beyond incredible and also Wayne’s gracious
neighbors who brought meals and treats over to him.