Duane Soltis

Duane "Dewey" Soltis, age 62, of Upsala, MN formerly of Burtrum, MN, died Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Albany Area Hospital in Albany, MN. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 11, 2008, at the Camp Ripley Chapel inside the main gates of the Camp Ripley National Guard Base north of Little Falls. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Interment will be in South Elmdale Cemetery with military honors provided by the Upsala American Legion Post #350. Duane "Dewey" Ernest Soltis was born on November 18, 1945 in Elmdale Township, Morrison County, Minnesota the son of Harry J. & Helen G. (George) Soltis. He attended school in Upsala and graduated from Upsala High School, Class of 1963. Following his schooling, he enlisted in the United States Army on June 8, 1966. Decorations received include the Vietnam Services Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Marksman (rifle). He was honorably discharged on June 7, 1968. After the service, Dewey worked at the Upsala Municipal Liquor Store for a while. He then went to work for Michel's Trucking in Upsala where he drove truck for many years. Due to his declining health, he quit driving last year. Dewey enjoyed visiting with people and shaking dice with friends. He was a member of the Upsala American Legion Post#350. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, David (Jean) Soltis of St. Francis, MN, Mary Lou (Roger) Suchy of Brooklyn Center, MN, Robert (Bonnie) Soltis of Upsala, MN, John Soltis of Upsala, MN, Jim Soltis of Leonard, MN, Ralph Soltis of Bruno, MN, Pat (Rick) Erlandson of Maple Grove, MN, Marvin (Tera) Soltis of McFarland, WI, Kathy Johnson of Coon Rapids, MN, Arlene (Darrell) Larsen of Royalton, MN, Chuck (Shirley) Soltis of Little Falls, MN, and Harold (Bonnie) Soltis of Rice, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Helen Soltis and niece, Terri Soltis.