Thomas Russell Solberg Sr. “Big Tom”, 79, Huron passed away at home July 19, 2020. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 20, 1940 to Morten and Violet Solberg.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty (Lyngso) Solberg; son Thomas (Sarah) Solberg Jr. of Huron and daughter Kristine (Keith) Cottrell of LaBelle, FL; grandchildren Claire, Emma, and Megan Solberg, of Huron, Tommy and Caroline Cottrell of Huron, Kail Solberg and Kelsey (Cody)Shupe of Norwalk; brother Morten (Terri) Solberg, of Blufton, SC; sister, Karen Leopold, of Nokomis, FL; brothers, Ed (Beth) Solberg, of Alpharetta, GA, and Mike (Connie) Solberg of Huron, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Matthew and daughter Jennifer.
Tom helped his father build and open Huron Lagoons Marina in the late 50’s and early 60’s. He continued to work and be a huge presence at the marina until the early 2000’s when he and Betty began to slowly spend more and more time in semi-retirement in Florida. Even while in semi-retirement Tom was instrumental in expanding the Solberg marina business when the family acquired Holiday Harbor Marina in 2014, prior to his full retirement. He constantly looked for ways to improve the businesses to better serve the boaters. He was immensely proud of being able to watch four generations of Solberg’s work side by side over the years at both marinas, including this summer having all seven of his grandchildren work at the marinas.
He was a faithful servant to our Lord and Savior, he was a member of both Zion Lutheran Church in Huron and Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in St. James City, FL. Over the years he volunteered his time and has held various board positions at his churches.
He was proud to be a part of the Huron community for the past 60 years and felt a sense of civic duty by serving on various boards and committees throughout his life. He was a former president of the Chamber of Commerce in Huron as well as a member of the Huron Joint Recreation District, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Huron Port Authority, the Rotary Club and many more.
He was an enormously proud Viking and reveled in his Norwegian heritage, an avid fisherman, Tom loved boating, and being around the water. He was a larger than life presence and was an awesome storyteller from an early age. He especially liked entertaining and laughing with his grandkids. The thing he loved most in this life was spending time with his devoted, loving wife and family.
Due to Covid-19 there will be no visitation. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 72 Huron, Ohio 44839. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huron Rescue Squad 413 Main St. Huron, Ohio 44839, Zion Lutheran Church, 930 Main St. Huron, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 664 St. James City, Florida 33956, or Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio 5510 Baumhart Rd. Lorain, Ohio 44053.
Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com. Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family.
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