Elmer Lee Solko

Oct. 19, 1931-Sept. 13, 2011

LOWELL, Arkansas -- Elmer Lee Solko, 79, of Lowell, Arkansas, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at Westwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Springdale, Arkansas.

He was born Oct. 19, 1931, at the family home in Rawlins County, Kansas, to Wendell and Katherine Scheichler Solko.

Mr. Solko was a Corporal with the 555th "Triple-Nickel" Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War, and served from Oct. 22, 1952 to Oct. 21, 1954.

He married Barbara Ann Breinig on June 2, 1956 in Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was a farmer throughout his life in Rawlins County, a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oberlin, Kansas, and an active, lifetime member of the V.F.W.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Wells, and two brothers, Richard Solko and Franklin Solko.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Solko of the home; three children, Elmer Ross Solko of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Alicia Russell and husband Kelly of Lowell, Arkansas, Barry Solko and wife Dawn of Springfield, Missouri; a brother, Melvin Solko of Davenport, Florida; and three grandchildren, Matthew Tallant, Kylie Russell and Jessica Smith.

A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, followed by visitation until 7 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Springdale. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.heritageofnwa.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale with Father John Connell officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Seminary Fund, or to Washington Regional Hospice, 34 W. Colt Square, Suite 1, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

Heritage Funeral Home, 1591 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762, (479) 751-2444, is in charge of arrangements.