Madeline L. Solem, was born Magdalyn Lucille Streifel, the daughter of Benhard and Christine (Weber) Streifel on December 22, 1922 in the farm home in Karlsruhe, North Dakota.  She was called home to our Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Madeline spent her early years on the farm near Karlsruhe until the family lost the farm in the 1930’s Great Depression, prompting a move to Benson County and eventually purchasing mission land in Ft. Totten from the Catholic Church.  As a young lady, she enjoyed hunting and shooting competitions.  She was proud of being a marksman and always got her game.  Madeline “Mac” to her brothers and sisters was always taken on the hunt to make sure game was brought back home.  She attended school at St. Michael’s and college in Crookston, Minnesota at the Convent before returning to the Devils Lake area.  After working various jobs, she made her way to Rugby where she met her husband, Belford “Doc” Solem.  Together they raised three Army “brat” children.  After Doc’s retirement, they settled back in Rugby and Balta.

Madeline was best known as a bartender for Crook’s Bar and Bowling Alley during the 70’s and 80’s, before returning to Devils Lake to care for her mother.  Eventually Madeline found her way to working at the Night Owl Lounge.  Once retired she enjoyed being a Foster Grandparent in the Devils Lake schools.  She moved back to Rugby in 2004 to be closer to her daughter and grandkids.  She returned to her faith and became a servant of her Lord, faithfully attending and participating in the parish of St. Theresa’s Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.  After she lost her sight and was homebound, she could be found listening to her favorite TV channel, EWTN all day, every day.  Madeline was a member of St. Vincent D’Paul Society, Catholic Daughters, Christian Mothers and the VFW Auxiliary.

Madeline leaves behind her son, Lowell “Tom” Thomas (Erin) Solem; daughter, Laurie Teresa McGath (Tom Burkhartsmeier); grandchildren, Kristopher Solem (Lori Tenerelli), David (Bridget) Thompson, Micheal McGath (Eric Mundy), Larissa McGath (Matt Young), Jordan McGath (Robert Orness) and Preston McGath; great grandchildren, Ellie, Jaxon, Jasmin and Devlyn; three step-grandson, Joshua, Kaleb and Jonathan Vinyard and their children; sister-in-law, Rose Streifel; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her son, Leslie Todd Solem; brothers, Paul (MaryJane), Joe (Georgia), Tom and Ferdinand “Fritz”; sisters, Mary (Veryl) Radley, Rose (Warren) Ooley, Emily (Joe) Kambeitz and infant sister, Regina; and her parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26^th  at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Father Tom Graner, Celebrant.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday with a Rosary and Vigil prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. There will be no reviewal in the church.

Casket Bearers:  Matt Young, Robert Orness, Tom Burkhartsmeier, Steve Solem, Tom Solem & Terry Garnas