Kathleen Esther Solberg

October 11, 1944 – August 23, 2025

Kathleen Esther Solberg, born on October 11, 1944, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Carl and Carol Bailey and the cherished sister of Elizabeth McIntyre.

Kathy lived a life filled with passion for education, creativity, and family. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Arts Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and later completed a Master’s degree in English from the University of Montana. Her career as an educator was both meaningful and far-reaching. She taught at Colville Community College, Lewis-Clark Community College, and Minot State University, sharing her love of language and literature with generations of students. Her influence extended beyond the classroom through the many educational and writing workshops she led across the country.

Kathy was a devoted mother to Pamela Norman, who preceded her in death, and to her surviving children Robert Solberg, David Solberg, Jonathan Solberg, and Amy Solberg Odiase. She was a loving grandmother to Ryann Norman, Victoria Hubbard, Owen, Elias, Ansel, Iver, and Ulrik Solberg, as well as to Zach and Caylie Solberg. She is also survived by her sister- and brother-in-law Carol and Bob Christ, and her sister- and brother-in-law Mary and Jeff Scott. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Solberg, with whom she shared a life of partnership and devotion.

Kathy had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her. She found joy in reading, gardening, quilting, and watching birds through live nature cams. She was a gifted quilter who lovingly created personalized quilts for each member of her family. Her love of music was an essential part of her life. She was an accomplished pianist, organist, and singer who enjoyed all forms of music, from choral and vocal to instrumental and jazz. Whether performing or listening, music brought her profound joy and enriched her life deeply.

Her gentle wisdom, creative spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be missed dearly by all who knew her.