Gerold "Jerry" Martin Solum Sr.

Gerold “Jerry” Martin Solum Sr., 77, of Knappa (Astoria), Oregon, passed away surrounded by loved ones in Portland on Nov. 7, 2016.

Jerry was born in Stanley, North Dakota, to Almer and Leota “Lee” (Footh) Solum on Oct. 6, 1939. The family relocated to Portland in 1951. At age 9 Jerry set bowling pins, and at 15 he worked to help support his family. At 16, Jerry started his lifelong career of roofing with the help of his stepfather, Bud Ogier.

Three weeks after his 17th birthday Jerry married the love of his life, Marie (Shaffer) Solum, on Oct. 27, 1956, in Vancouver, Washington. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage this past month. Shortly after their wedding, he started his own roofing business in Portland. Jerry and Marie moved to Knappa in 1971 to help his mother raise two younger brothers. It was during this time that Jerry’s roofing company began to flourish, and to this day, his company is still well-known and operating.

Jerry was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend; he enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything. He loved golfing, and built his own golf course with the help of friends. He enjoyed the sunshine while visiting their second home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, though he never stayed long, because he enjoyed tending to the golf course and keeping busy with his business.

In his younger years, he enjoyed skiing, motorcycles and car racing. In later years he was always known for being active. Jerry persevered through several major accidents, and finally open heart surgery in 2009. He still refused to give up roofing, and anyone who knew him considered him to be a workaholic — he never truly retired.

Jerry is survived by the following:

Daughters: Kelly Chernault and Mike Zimmerman of Portland, Oregon; Lori Wirkkala of Ilwaco, Washington; Mona and Gary Heilman of Astoria; and D’Ann Solum of Portland. He was preceded in death by a son, Gerold “Marty” Martin Solum Jr., who passed in 1982.

Grandchildren: Joe and Sarah Muehlhauser; Sean Muehlhauser and Cassidy Clark. Brian Davidson; Rachel Davidson and husband Javier Sanchez; and Kyle Wirkkala. Derek Heiner; Scott and Brianna Heiner; Kathryn Heilmann and Gary Heilmann Jr. Mitchel Solum and Laura Hill; Amanda Van Stane; and Marissa and Daniel Alfaro. Great-grandchildren are Angelina Linares, Antonio Sanchez and Aurora Muehlhauser.

Brothers and sister: Brothers Allen “Goose” and Pat Solum, Eddie Westfall, Rodney “Rod” and Debbie Solum, Kevin Ogier of Astoria; Blaine and Pam Ogier of Orange, California. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Dorsey H. Ogier, Callvin A. Ogier, Gary A. Solum, Richard “Dick” Solum and sister Bonnie Westfall.

Jerry is also survived by numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews … too many to list.

Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in Jerry’s Celebration of Life that will be held at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Mary Ann Hall at 503-741-0748 for additional information.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic Hospital, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.