Dorvan Solberg

Fargo

Dorvan Solberg, formerly of Ray, ND, passed away at Sanford Hospice House on January 21, 2024. He was born to Iver and Jennie (Foss) Solberg on May 20, 1934, in Williston, ND. Dorvan attended school in Ray, graduating from Ray High School in 1952. Dorvan raised black angus cattle and worked with his Dad in their certified seed potato business.

Dorvan married Eileen Anderson on June 17, 1956, and they raised small grains and ranched outside Ray, while raising their four daughters. They enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and downhill skiing. Dorvan had a lifelong passion for horses. He raised Quarter Horses, training and showing them in numerous events. He continued showing cutting horses well into his eighties. For over 35 years, Dorvan was a judge for AQHA, NCHA, and APHA, judging throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. In 2014 he was inducted into the NDQHA Hall of Fame, and in 2020, the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame. Dorvan served as chairman of the board of directors for Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative for over 30 years and served in the ND House of Representatives for ten years. He was a member of Ray Lutheran Church, Ray Senior Citizens, and Williams County Farmers Union.

Dorvan is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen; daughters Vonnie (Royce) Elker, Val (Bob) Bahm, Diane (Steve) Edwardson, Gail (Mike) Nelson; grandchildren, Danielle (Ben) Johnson, Eric (Sarah) Elker, Beret (Kenneth) Holoday, Tyler (Lisa) Bahm, Zach (Ashley) Bahm, Olivia Edwardson, Megan (Eric) Johnson, Alex Nelson and Stephanie Nelson; 5 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Barbara (Dan) Delaney and Joyce Perez; and brother-in-law Dave (Bev) Anderson. Dorvan was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marilyn.

A Celebration of Dorvan’s life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, May 24 at Ray Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Temple Cemetery, Temple, ND.

Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston, is handling the arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 17, 2024.