Leslie “Les” Solberg
August 18, 1951 – March 4, 2025
Leslie “Les” Solberg has officially punched his ticket to the great fishing trip in the sky, where the beer is always cold, the fish always bite, and the Packers never lose.
Born on Aug. 18, 1951, possibly in Waupaca (but he always claimed Iola as his true homeland), Les spent his years enjoying the things that truly mattered: family, friends, and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Phyllis (Helgeson) Solberg.
Les was the devoted husband of Carol (Butenhoff) Solberg, who lovingly tolerated his stubbornness and fishing excursions for over 45 years. He was a loyal brother to Lloyd and Jayne (Dorow) Solberg, Kathy Solberg, and Joe and Vicki (Solberg) Rink, and a proud uncle to nephews Garrick, Brandon, and Collin Solberg, as well as Bob Rink, and nieces Courtney Solberg and Jessica Rink. He also leaves behind a collection of cousins too numerous to name without exceeding the word count.
Les had a true talent for enjoying life’s simple pleasures, particularly when they involved a fishing pole in hand. His best fishing buddy, Bob Dobbe, and his Canada adventure companion, Greg Loeser, now find themselves without their partner-in-crime but hopefully with a few extra beers in his honor. Special thanks to Laura and Gretchen for allowing those many, many fishing trips to happen.
Les was a man of wisdom, particularly when it came to the best places to fish, the ideal way to grill a brat, and why the Packers were the only football team worth discussing. He had an uncanny ability to tell a story just right, always with just the right amount of embellishment, depending on the audience.
A visitation will be held at Voie Funeral Home in Iola on Friday, April 11, from 4-8 p.m. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at the Hitterdahl Lutheran Church, N8808 County J, Iola, with the Rev. Dale Wilson officiating.
Instead of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or helping someone close to you.
Les, we hope heaven has a stocked cooler, a well-seasoned grill, and an endless supply of fish stories waiting for you. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.