Donald Solko

Donald Francis Solko, 80, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Hope Springs Community Care Center in Sharon Springs, KS.

Don was born July 21, 1943, to Albert and Lucille (Marintzer) Solko in Oberlin, Kansas. He was the second of eight children.

Don married Diana Dewey on June 7, 1975 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Herndon, Kansas. Don was a devoted father to six children and beloved grandfather to eight grandchildren. He loved his family and seized every opportunity to talk about how proud he was of them.

Don was a successful farmer and rancher. He farmed with his brothers and later farmed independently, with the help of his children. For 26 years, he served on board of trustees for Prairie Land Electric Cooperative. He was a member of many community organizations. He loved gardening and sharing the produce with friends and family. He enjoyed trap shooting, playing cards, pitching horseshoes, and playing cornhole. He was a tough competitor and was always the person to beat. He loved watching all sports, including rodeo, Chief’s Football, Royals and Braves Baseball. He also enjoyed polka shows. He was a devoted Catholic who put his trust in the Lord. The Holy Rosary always comforted him through the pain and suffering he endured in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Samuel and Delmar.

Don is survived by his wife, Diana; six children, Destiny (James) Schroder, Rachelle (Shivi) Mathura, RayeAnn (Lynn) Wright, Mark Solko, Renae (Chris) Berry and Janelle Solko; eight grandchildren, Donnovan (Hannah), Dalton, Ceanne, Jayden, Garrett, Abbie, Elliott, Aryanna; siblings, Kenneth, Mary Ann, Patrick, Jane and Alan; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 6- 7:00 p.m., followed by a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hope Springs or Rawlins County High School Trap Team and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com