Louis George Solko

June 14, 1923--Jan. 25, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Louis George Solko, 87, passed away Tuesday (Jan. 25, 2011), at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Louis was born June 14, 1923, in Herndon, Kansas to the late Carl and Anna (Barenburg) Solko. He grew up and attended school in Herndon. Louis enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1945. During his time in the service, Louis assisted in transporting soldiers and supplies from the west cost to the South Pacific, both during and after the end of World War II until 1947.

Louis married Irene Cole on Oct. 19, 1948, in Atwood, Kansas. To this union, six children were born.

Louis and Irene lived and farmed in the Herndon and Atwood, Kansas areas before settling on a farm south of Trenton, Nebraska. They raised various crops and beef cattle as well as operated a small dairy. Louis loved the farm and reaping the products of his hard work throughout the year.

Louis is survived by his wife, Irene of McCook; children, Art and wife, Jane Solko of Portland, Oregon, Colleen and husband, Chuck Breneman of Fort Collins, Colorado, Debra and husband, Jay Deselms of Platteville, Colorado, Beverly Anderson of McCook, Douglas and wife, Martha Solko of Monument, Colorado, and Bruce and wife, Reba Solko of North Platte, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Charles and wife, Pat Solko of Aurora, Colorado; sister-in-law, Lillie Solko of Atwood, Kansas; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Eva Solko, Alice Heble, and Sister Fulgentius (Catherine) Solko; five brothers, William, Raymond, Philip, Hubert, and an unnamed infant brother.

Mass of Christian burial is Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton with Father Val Bartek officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery.

Rosary is Friday, 7 p.m., at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton.

Visitation is Friday at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook until the time of the rosary.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.