Darlene E. Solberg

Darlene E. Solberg, age 79 of Watertown died early Saturday morning, April 19, 2008 in the Prairie Lakes Hospital at Watertown. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM in the St. Martin's Lutheran Church at Watertown with the Reverend John Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery at Watertown. Casketbearers will be Dr. Tom Wetzell, Dr. Roger Carter, Geof & Brad Furness. Music will be presented by Karen Livingston as organist with Brian Schwanz as soloist. There will also be congregational singing. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-8 PM at the Wight, Comes & Sogn Funeral Chapel at Watertown and will continue one hour prior to services at the Church on Wednesday morning. She was born in Luther Hospital at Watertown on August 15, 1928, the daughter of Martin and Alma (Scharn) Solberg. She grew to adulthood in Watertown where she attended school and graduated from Watertown High School in 1946. She then attended the X-Ray Technician school program at Minneapolis General Hospital in Minneapolis and returned to Watertown to began her career as an X-Ray Technologist for Bartron Clinic in 1948. She continued in this profession until retiring after 28 years of service. For many years, Darlene was a active member of the South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists. Since her graduation from Watertown High School, Darlene has been instrumental in organizing many of the class reunions over the years. Darlene was very active in her beloved community of Watertown, volunteering many hours for the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce with the Watertown Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 1988 she was chosen as Star (Volunteer) of the Month. Another community organization that had a special place in her heart was the Karing Kapers, being the talent chairperson when it was organized and continuing to be a huge part of the Kapers until just recent years. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines Chorus for some 28 years and was a co-director of the group. Other community groups she enjoyed were the Red Hat Society and the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. In 1958 and 1959 she was president of the local bowling association, the year the Plateau opened. She bowled in many city and state tournaments, winning awards at both levels, and she also has a 600 series to her credit. These are just a few of the many activites she was involved in, in Watertown, she throughly enjoyed being with people. She will long be remembered for her love of music, volunteering when able, doing crafts and being a friend to many. Another love of hers was Watertown Arrows boys and girls basketball, attending as many games as possible and listening on the radio when she could not be there in person. She was a member of St. Martins Lutheran Church and their ladies group, serving various offices in that group. Preceding her in death are her parents, aunts and uncles. Survivors include many cousins and a host of friends. Services are announced by the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where you can send on-line condolences at www.furnessfuneralhome.com