Michael Soland

Mike was born on November 16, 1952, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Robert ("Bob") and June Soland. He grew up in Sigourney, Iowa, where he graduated valedictorian of his high school class while lettering in baseball, basketball, and football. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, where he played rugby, and later completed his MBA at St. Ambrose University.

Mike built a remarkable 39-year career in the natural gas pipeline industry and later in the energy trading business, retiring from Occidental Petroleum in 2014. He began his career as a field engineer in 1975 for Natural Gas Pipeline Company and moved into various corporate positions in engineering and pipeline operations. In 1989, NGPL transferred Mike to Houston to work in the Marketing Division. In a defining chapter of Mike’s career, Occidental selected him to set up the company’s formal energy trading business in 1997. With Mike’s leadership and a hand-picked team, Occidental Energy Marketing became one of the largest energy trading floors in North America, extending from Canada to Mexico. Throughout his career, Mike mentored colleagues, launched new business initiatives and earned a reputation for navigating complex challenges with integrity and wisdom. Despite the demands of travel and executive leadership, one priority rarely changed: Mike was home for dinner with his family.

For all his professional accomplishments, Mike’s greatest joy was the life he built with his wife of thirty-three years, Joan. They were deeply devoted to one another and shared a partnership marked by love, loyalty and adventure. They logged many fishing trips together, including deep-sea fishing in Hawaii and salmon fishing in the rivers of Alaska. They traveled the world, enjoyed fine dining, supported causes they cared about and created a home where family always came first. Through every career move, every celebration, and ultimately through two difficult years of cancer treatment, they faced life side-by-side.

If you knew Mike, you knew he was a true Renaissance Man. When something captured his interest, he wanted to know everything there was to know about it and then complete a collection! Whether it was wine for his legendary wine cellar, ancient weaponry, autographed guitars and vinyl records for his music room, or signed baseballs and bats, Mike enjoyed the hunt for coveted and classic collector’s items. He valued responsibility and service, particularly to freedom and country, as demonstrated by retelling of stories of family members who served a cause greater than themselves. Mike was a man of few words and short texts, but when it came to his hobbies, especially wine, he loved to share his knowledge and enthusiastically taught others about what made each bottle unique.

Many guests left the house with a bottle of wine from their anniversary year, birth year or just a great bottle of wine to be saved for a special occasion. Mike’s favorite saying was “Wine is meant to be shared.” Mike enjoyed adding some excitement to a wine dinner by sabering a bottle of champagne for the celebration or, at family weddings, leading the crowd in a rendition of The Music Man.

To his five grandchildren, Mike was simply "Ollie," a name he wore with immense pride. He delighted in finding meaningful ways to enjoy his relationship with them, whether through thoughtful gifts (such as signed Taylor Swift guitars or autographed helmets), unforgettable family vacations (South Beach Miami, Jackson Hole, Big Cedar Lodge, Disney World), or simply spending time together in the pool (he installed a slide!). He loved introducing his grandchildren to his favorite places, taking them shopping, and creating memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. After one granddaughter's theatre performance, Ollie surprised her with a custom "Best Thespian Award" he had designed specifically for her—a perfect reflection of the personal and creative ways he encouraged those he loved.

Raised in the Presbyterian Church, Mike's faith became an increasingly central part of his life over the last twenty years. His confidence in Christ sustained him throughout his cancer journey and gave him peace and hope to the very end.

Mike is survived by his wife, Joan Soland; his daughters, Courtney Roberts and Christyn Knoop; his sons-in-law, Mike Roberts and Alex Knoop; his grandchildren, Boden, Eleanor, Emily, Julia, and Jack; and his siblings, Julie Ford and Dan Soland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and June Soland.

A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Houston SPCA or M.D. Anderson.

Mike lived with uncommon curiosity, remarkable discipline, unwavering integrity, and deep faith. He leaves behind a family who loved him, friends who valued his knowledge, colleagues who respected his leadership, and five grandchildren who will forever smile when they think of their "Ollie."