Dwight L. Solberg

Dwight L. Solberg, age 71, of Arvada, Colorado passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Dwight was born in Watertown, South Dakota, February 22nd, 1952, to Odean and Donna Solberg, their first born. The family lived in Garden City and left the farm for Pierre in 1961. There Dwight graduated from TF Riggs High School, Class of 1970. He moved to Denver after graduation for trade school. There, he met Carol Nordlund at a party, and then rented a room in her parents’ basement. He decided to keep them all and made those parents his in-laws when he married Carol on November 27th, 1971. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany when their first child, Stephanie, was born in 1973. Cory arrived and completed the family in 1981 as they settled in Arvada. After completing his Army service, Dwight returned to Denver and went to work for Public Service/Excel Energy, where he worked until retirement at the age of 58.

Dwight lived a simple life with simple pleasures. Dress shirts had snaps, nice shoes were cowboy boots. He was an outdoorsman his entire life, hunting and fishing with his father, son, brothers and long-time friends. Pheasant hunting in the fall and turkey hunting in the spring were annual traditions.

Dwight was a dedicated father, as much a Boy Scout as Cory for many years. Since Carol’s passing in 1994, he has been the everything parent for Stephanie and Cory, and did a far better job at this than he gave himself credit for. He taught dedication, work ethic, and perseverance by example.

In 1995, Dwight met Kathie. They moved in together in July of 1996. Every July following, when asked if he wanted to renew her lease, Dwight responded with his signature “I suppose.” That lease lasted 27 years, and she will always wish for one more day.

By far Dwight’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. He was best known as Papa Dwight and Silly Grandpa. He thoroughly enjoyed spending as much time as possible spoiling his grandchildren, especially if it did double duty and tormented his children. His shenanigans will be sorely missed. Dwight and Kathie traveled the US every summer with their two oldest grandchildren, making clear each year that their mom was not invited. The stories from their adventures live on and are evidence of a life well lived. Papa and Sam were two peas in a pod – neither could go too many days without seeing the other. Sam would say “P-mon Papa, let’s play” and without skipping a beat Papa was on the floor with his little snickelfritz for hours.

Dwight is survived by his mother, Donna Solberg, daughter, Stephanie Hobby, son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Anna Solberg, his grandchildren Cole Hobby and Maren Hobby, and Samuel Solberg, his long-time partner Kathie Shanklin, as well as siblings Marcia Hull, Todd Solberg, Craig Solberg, Noel Solberg and Denise Vardaman, and their families. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his in-laws, Eldridge and Martha Nordlund, and his father, Odean.

Finally, a goodbye the only way Dwight would ever say it, “Bye for now.” With this final goodbye, his boots are home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion Post #161 in Dwight’s name. 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada, CO 80003.