Ethel Solmonson

On Wednesday, January 1, 2020, Ethel Solmonson, born as Ethel Rasmussen and formerly known as Ethel Jeitz, loving mother to two children, passed away at the age of 80. She died peacefully and unexpectedly in her own home.

Ethel was born in Greenwood, Wisconsin on March 20th, 1939 to Julia and Walter Rasmussen. Ethel spent her young years with four siblings growing up above her parents' cheese factory, grocery store and bar. She was raised frugally and humbly. She was raised to work hard and be honest. During high school she was crowned as home coming queen. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1957. After high school she attended beauty school and quickly discovered she would like to pursue other options. She left and headed for the Twin Cities to work for the airlines. In 1968 and 1970 she adopted two girls.

After spending some time at home with her children she began working for the State of Minnesota. She worked there for 24 years and retired at the age of 59. Shortly after she moved to Phoenix, Arizona to enjoy the sunshine and friends. Although she enjoyed her time there she missed family and moved to Colorado.

Ethel was filled with life in her younger years and was always the life of the party.

She loved to waltz and would dress up and go dancing frequently. She was known for telling jokes and got her quick wit from her mother. Ethel was an incredibly helpful grandmother and she made a mean cut out Christmas cookie that will be hard to replicate. As she aged she really appreciated the simple things in life including quietness, gardening and being in her own home. She also rekindled a love for reading.

Ethel will always be remembered by her children, for providing unconditional love and sacrifice.

Ethel was proceeded in death by her parents Julia and Walter. She is survived by two children, Kerri Schommer and Kathryn Olivo, her siblings Shirley Denk, Roy Rasmussen, Gary Rasmussen and Patti Netterlund, grandchildren, Taylor Olivo, Christian Olivo, Luke Schommer and Ben Schommer and great grandchild Sophie and many fantastic in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at on January 18, 2020 at United Church Christ-Immanuel W6974 Century Rd. Greenwood, WI 54437 at 1PM. A celebration will continue after at Parkway Pines address is N10005 State Highway 73 Greenwood, Wisconsin 54437. Food and drinks will be served.