Joanne Solka

Joanne was born February 6, 1938 in Negaunee to Erick and Elsa (Wuokko) Ahtonen, was raised in Republic, and later attended night school in Ishpeming. She married the late Conrad Solka and together they made their home in Ishpeming with their four children. Joanne worked many years at JC Penny in both Ishpeming and Marquette.

Mrs. Solka was member of the AMVETS Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 114, Greewood, Auxiliary. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, rummage sales, working puzzles, and loved being a chaperone on the Blue Notes Drum and Bulge Corp trips.

Her joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The great grandchildren referred to her has silly gramma ‘JoJo,’ and they loved when she gave them ‘grandma bops.’ She always ended her calls with all of them saying, “goo-bye, remember I love you!”

Surviving are her three daughters: Debbie (Joe) Delongchamp of Little Chute, WI, Pam Solka of Glendive, MT, and Peggy Kutchie of Ishpeming; her son, Jeffrey (Jamie) Solka of Ishpeming; 11 grandchildren: Amy (Tom) Windgaston, Jeremiah Rich, Abby (Travis) Skinner, Josh (Kaitlin) Rich, Connie Delongchamp, Joseph (Lindsey) Delongchamp, Alex Kutchie, Kaylyn (Derik) Treuel, Emilee Solka, Calli Solka, and Nikki (Ryan) Provo; 17 great-grandchildren: Autumn, Violet, Joey, Josh, Owen, Eli, Isaac, Emma, Travis, Trevor, Jackson, Addie, Lucy, Mila, Donavon, Channing, and Baby Treuel on the way; her brother, Jerry Ahtonen; and two sisters, Jan (Arvo) Lyyski and Judy (Phil) Colvin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Conrad Solka; and sister-in-law, Mary Ahtonen.

Honoring Joanne’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date at the family camp on Schweitzer Basin.

Mrs. Solka’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.