Donald Bernard Solwold passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on his beloved bison farm Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. He was born February 10, 1933 in Hawley Mn. He married the love of his life, Marlene Joan Kvilvang and together they raised their family in Great Falls, Montana where he was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base before transferring to the Montana Air National Guard. He had a passion for flying, and a reverence for bison, and he combined the two after finding his dream farm in Esko where he acquired his first bison pair, Ole and Lena while flying full time for the Duluth 148th Air Guard. In 1991, he retired as Colonel to nourish his bison herd. His faith, integrity, thoughtful manner and gentle humor were appreciated by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by wife; Marlene, son; Steven, sister; Beatrice Peplin, and brother; Manny Solwold. 

He is survived by daughters; Janey Solwold (Ray Noemer),  Lisa (Hank)  Solwold-Suerth, Lori (Mychal) Franklin, Julie Solwold, and Sara (Rick) Anderson; sister, Muryel Wendt; brother, Gene Solwold, and grandchildren; Cristen, Kevin, and Ryann Noemer, Ashley and Skylar Wilson, Caitlin Krahn, Tanner and Charlie Franklin, Kalena Nordgaarden, and Jacy Towne.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 7, 2025 with service at 11:00 at Hermantown Community Church, 4880 Maple Grove Rd, Hermantown MN 55811, followed by military honors reception. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday June 9 at Lake Park Cemetery, Lake Park MN. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet MN. 

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to MN Adult and Teen Challenge.