Robert Merlin Solie, of Antigo, died Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 90 years old. He was born on September 5, 1920 in Downsville, a son of Gustave and Lena (Fritz) Solie. He married Catherine Wadley on January 9, 1942 at Stillwater, Minn. She survives.

He graduated from Menomonie High School and recieved a Bachelor Degree in 1947 and Masters Degree in 1951 from Stout Institute in Menomonie.

Mr. Solie worked for two years at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee as a machine tool operator prior to entering the United States Navy on June 28, 1944 as a Machinist Mate Third Class. While enlisted he trained in Farragut, Idaho and was a machinist on ships in San Diego, San Francisco and Guam. He was discharged in 1946.

Mr. Solie taught as machine shop instructor at Antigo High School and vocational school 1947 to 1969. He taught machine shop from 1969 until 1982 at Northcentral Technical College in Antigo when he retired after 35 years.

He enjoyed traveling and has visited Europe, Australia, New Zeland, Canada, Mexico and all of the 50 states. He also enjoyed spending time with family, camping, baseball, playing cards, and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors including his wife are two daughters Sharon (Rev. Donn) Radde, Marshfield, Diane Schneider, Fairmont, WV, six Grandchildren Rachel (Jeremy) Fresia, Matthew Radde, Bethany (James Robert) Pulham, Jessica (William Ryan) Ford, twins John and Lisa Schneider, three greatgrandchildren Jonathan and Jacob Fresia, Anna Catherine Ford.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Solie, two sisters, Jeanice Joba, Karleen Reinhardt.

Services will be held on Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with his son-in-law Rev. Donn H. Radde officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery where the Antigo Veterans will conduct military rites. Visitation will be 9:30 until the time of services on Tuesday at the Bradley Funeral Home.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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