Solon M Croteau

Solon (Pierre) Croteau, 85, of Greeley, went home to be with his Lord on January 14, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born to Paul and Louise (Lowe) Croteau on March 8, 1933 in Bethel, Maine. Solon was known by his many friends and family as Pierre, a nickname that he gained early in his adult life. After high school, Pierre joined and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Pierre married the love of his life, Christine Applehans on September 6, 1956 in Sacramento, California. He spent the next 62 years devoted to his wife and family. Pierre was the first route salesman for Frito Lay in Greeley. He spent 30 years developing life-long friendships with people he met along his sales routes. Additionally, he owned a wood cutting business that took him back to his roots that were developed growing up in Maine. After retirement, he looked forward to spending his days fixing anything mechanical at All Purpose Rental & Sales. Pierre owned and piloted his own Cessna airplane. In his younger years, he loved bowling, golfing, skiing (water and snow) and riding his dirt bike with his sons. He enjoyed carpentry work, building his own cabin on Storm Mountain, and remodeling and expanding his home. He had a special ability to repair anything that was broken and was known to always have a small screwdriver in his pocket. He was always willing to give a lending hand to anyone that needed help. He enjoyed the outdoors and traveling around the world with his wife. He was a proud member of the Elks Club, Weld County Pilots Association, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Pierre is survived by his wife, Christine; Children, Terry (Lee) Hendrikson, Brenda Croteau-Kelso, Donna (Gary) Krautschun, Buddy (Debbie) Croteau, and Rick (Tammy) Croteau; 12 grandchildren, James (Shiloh) Corbett, Shawn (Jamie) Corbett, Christopher (Tiffany) Corbett, Brandon (Teri) Croteau, Bret (Dazzery) Kelso, Jonathan (Andra) Webster, Robert (Starr) Webster, Shonna (Brian) Gray, Jenifer Croteau, Heather Croteau, Dr. Meghan (Jason) Fels, Tyler Croteau;16 great grandchildren and 6 nieces/nephews. Pierre was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Paul Jr. and Wilma. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Monday, January 21st at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave in Greeley. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon, Wednesday, January 23rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley. Memorial gifts may be made to" VFW" in Greeley in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.