Earling "Pete" Palmer Solbakken

Earling “Pete” Solbakken---95, Minot, formerly of Glenburn, ND, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 in a Minot care facility.  Earling Palmer Solbakken was born on January 28, 1926, a son of Peter and Mildred (Helgeson) Solbakken in Chatfield Township, Bottineau County, ND. He was raised in Chatfield Township and graduated from Glenburn High School in 1944.   On July 3, 1944, Earling was drafted into the United States Army. He received his infantry training at Ft Bliss, TX Camp, Maxey, Texas.  He was stationed with the Third Army in Germany and was a rifleman with the “Blue Ridge” infantry division. He received the presidential unit citation, combat infantry badge, good conduct, victory medal and the E.T.O. ribbon with two battle stars.  He was proud to have served his country during World War II. Earling was honorably discharged on March 20, 1946.   Earling was united in marriage to Avice Marie Wade on April 6, 1947. They made their first home at a farm in Prescott Township. They later moved to Glenburn. He was employed at Stevens Welding in Glenburn as a welder. Then later he welded for Boeing at the missile sites. He worked and welded for civil service at the Minot Air Force Base until he retired in 1992.   Pete and Avice enjoyed traveling to Norway. Avice passed away in 1982. He later Norma Pierson, they later divorced.   Earling enjoyed listening to music, ball games and loved to dance. He also enjoyed helping out on the farm and spending time with family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.    He was a member of the American Legion for 74 years, the Eagles and Moose Club. He was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Glenburn, and Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.  May you rest in peace Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. Keep the light on for us. We love and miss you.   Those most honored to share in his life are:Son, Darrell (Gladys) Solbakken; daughter-in-law, Trish Solbakken; grandchildren, Eric Solbakken, Lisa (Jim) Dockter; great-grandchildren, Brady, Madi, Blake, and Charleigh Dockter;   Earling was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mildred; wife, Avice; son, Terry; and brothers, Vernon and Donald.   Visitation:  Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 5pm until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot   Funeral Service: Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 10:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Glenburn, ND. The service will be video taped and uploaded later on Thursday evening at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkw5wBH7W_IUwKUcuLvhgOw. Burial: Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 12:15 pm at the Fairview Cemetery, Glenburn, ND.