Andrew Solka

Andrew "Andy" T. Solka, age 80 of Iron River, MI, died Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Iron County Community Hospital, Iron River. Born: March 31, 1928 in Ishpeming, MI The son of the late Andrew and Mary (Junak) Solka attended the Diorite Grade School in Ely Township and graduated from Ishpeming High School. After graduation, he attended electrician trade school. On October 11, 1952, he married the former Joan Johnson at St. John's Catholic Church in Ishpeming. The couple moved to Iron River in 1961 to make their home. Andy was employed by Inland Steel for 32 years, working at the Morris Mine in Ishpeming for 13 years and then at the Sherwood Mine in Iron River for 19 years, retiring in 1981. Following his retirement from the mine, he worked in maintenance for eight years at the Iron County Community Hospital. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Agnes Men's Club, the Knights of Columbus, and volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul, the rodeo, gun safety, and the Boy Scouts. He was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, woodworking, and traveling. He was preceded in death by his son John in 1980. He is survived by his wife Joan Two sons; Andrew R. (Pam) Solka of L'Anse, MI Robert (Carol) Solka of Crystal Falls, MI One daughter, Mary Andler of Negaunee, MI One brother, Jim (Mary Ann) Solka of Ishpeming One sister, Susan (Terry) Johnson of Ishpeming Seven grandchildren; Christina (Pat) Mager Kathryn (Brad) LaPine Louis (Heidi) Verville Matthew (Jamie) Solka Jeffery (Lindsey) Solka Jason Solka Melissa Hawes Five great grandchildren Numerous nieces and nephews Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Extended family and friends Visitation: Friday, January 23, 2009 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River Funeral Service: Friday, January 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. St. Agnes Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Woempner to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.