John Solomon

A lifelong friend to many, John will be remembered for his warm smile and the way he made everyone feel like family.

John was born in Ishpeming on October 10th, 1955, to Birt and Swea (Johnson) Solomon. He grew up in the Suomi location and graduated from Negaunee High School with the class of 1973. After high school John went to work in the local iron mines. During this time, he met the love of his life, Shirley Kari, and they were married July 16, 1977.

John retired from the Tilden Mine after 30 plus years of service as a plant repairman and continued working for another ten years in retirement at OK Industrial. A hardworking and capable handyman, you could refer to him as a ‘John-of-all-trades’ who never stopped learning or pushing himself to grow.

John coached little league, pop-warner, and taekwondo. He was a very involved father, and through coaching he left a lasting impact on countless children’s lives.

A long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church, John served on the Church Council and countless other ministries. Music, family, and community were central to his life – he enjoyed singing and played guitar regularly, bringing joy to listeners at gatherings like the monthly evenings spent at the Humboldt Township Hall. He was also a member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge #447.

John’s family and friends knew him as a caring, generous man who would do anything for someone in need. His sons and grandsons were the center of his world; he delighted in them and took great pride in being their father and grandfather. He loved to talk, tell stories, and make people laugh – he never met a stranger in his life. Even at the mine, when coworkers wanted quiet time, John was famous for being told to, ‘talk to the pop machine.’ Raised in a lively family of talkers, he was a loving brother and a steadfast friend who stood by others through thick and thin without judgment.

John’s presence was a gift: personable, accepting, and always ready to offer encouragement. He cared deeply about people, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Monday, November 17, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Tim Johnston will officiate. A luncheon will follow in the Missionary Hall at Bethel Lutheran Church.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley; a son, Brad (Rachel) Solomon; grandchildren, Dylan (Kaiden O’Neill) Solomon, Tyler Solomon, and Jack Manier; brothers, Dave (Jackie) Kangas, Jim (Mary Jo Thompson) Solomon; sisters, Diana Peterson, Priscilla (Brian) Hammond; his brother-in-law, Paul Kari; sisters-in-law, Mavis (John) Wiitanen, Mary Beth Kari; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Birt and Swea Solomon, and his parent-in-laws Miriam (James) Nicholls and Toivo Kari; son, Daryl Solomon; his brother, Bill (Dolores) Kangas; his sister, Sonja (Howard) Aalto; brother-in-law, Dennis Kari; and sisters-in-law, Betty Duggar and Lynn Solomon.

Friends and family may view a full obituary and leave notes of remembrance at bjorkandzhulkie.com.