GLADSTONE — Edward Louis Solis, 76 of Gladstone, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon July 13, 2007.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1930, in Gladstone, the son of John and Clara (Kleiman) Solis, and he lived on the same property in West Gladstone where he was born.

He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1948.

Ed served in Korea and Japan during his two years in the Marines from 1952 - 1954. He was discharged as a corporal and was on the Marine Corps Western Division Rifle Team. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

Mr. Solis returned to Escanaba and he married the former Alice Lippens on April 24, 1954, at St. Joseph Church in Perkins. They were married for 53 wonderful years and she survives.

He worked on the farm, in the woods, and in town at the Potato Growers Exchange, and began employment with the Escanaba Papermill in 1950. While working at the mill he attended Cloverland Commercial College in Escanaba for three years and graduated in 1957 with a degree in higher accounting.

Ed retired after 41 years with the papermill in 1991.

Ed managed the Farmer’s Market in Escanaba for 20 years, was a former president of the Flat Rock School PTA, and served on the County Construction Zoning Board of Appeals.

He was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish in Flat Rock, and a member of the American Legion Escanaba River Post 115 for 8 years, a lifetime member of VFW Post 2998 in Escanaba, a member of the Mead Rod and Gun Club, and the Bays de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fisherman and past member of the N.R.A.

Mr. Solis enjoyed volunteering for many years as the hot dog cook for Camp 7’s Kids Fishing Day sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service. He also enjoyed playing cards, four-wheeling, smear league, casinos, gardening, sharing many memories, laughing and joking with all. He will be sadly missed.

Ed never missed a chance to go fishing anytime, anywhere and with anyone. He enjoyed going to his camp in Watson surrounded by family and friends.

Ed and Alice have spent the last 14 years enjoying their winter home in Palm Desert, Calif., with their doors always open to everyone.

Ed is survived by: his loving wife: Alice; two sons, Donald Solis, Perronville, and Gary Solis, Gladstone; two daughters, Susan (Rudy) Wencl, Escanaba, and Maryann (Randy) Jacques, Gladstone; 12 grandchildren, John (Vicki) Solis, Jeanne Solis, Jamie (R.J.) Beaver, Joe Solis, Michelle, Ken, and Nick (Deanna) Quaghebeur, Jason, Josh, and Sarah Solis, Andy and Mick, Jacques; eight great-grandchildren, Hunter, Austin, and Kyle Solis, Katelyn and Jeanaya Beaver, Kara Kurth, Hannah DeCamp, and Emma Quaghebeur; five brothers, Walter (Rosemary) Solis, Cornell, Ben (Laura) Solis, Prospect Heights, Ill., Francis (Ilene) Solis, Gladstone, Lenard (Marilyn) Solis, Bensenville, Ill., and Richard (Judy) Solis, Wheeling, Ill.; two sisters, Helen (Bill) Jardis, Northlake, Ill., and Marie Vogel, Troy, Idaho; brother-in-laws, Gordon Wilson, St. Charles, Ill., Albert (Judy) Lippens, Hyde, Ben (Mary) Lippens, Gladstone, Phil ( Mary) Lippens, Soo Hill, Joe (Joyce) Lippens, Schaffer, Adolph (Phyliss) Lippens Jr., Gladstone, John (Judy) Lippens, Escanaba, Rene Lippens, Gladstone; sister-in-law, Shirley Solis, Foxlake, Wis., Mary (John) Genisse, Menominee, Irene (Dan) Barron, Gladstone, Germain (Dwayne) Taylor, Flat Rock, Bernice (Dick) Caron, Escanaba, Rita (Russell) Tayor, Gladstone, Barb (Gary) Sheedlo, Gladstone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Solis; brother, John Solis Jr.; two sisters, Clara Wilson and Bernice Karas.

Friends may call at the Allo Funeral Home on Tuesday between 3 and 8 p.m.

Delta County veterans rites will be conducted at 7:15 p.m. in the Allo Funeral Home Family Center.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Edward Louis Solis will be celebrated at the Holy Family Church in Flat Rock Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Frank Lenz officiating.

Interment will be in the Escanaba Township Cemetery following the Mass of Christian Burial.

A luncheon will follow the burial in the church hall.

Ed’s family has established a memorial fund to purchase a defibrillator which would be located at Perraults Market 5 Corners Store to service the Danforth - Soo Hill area residents. Friends are welcome to offer memorials toward the purchase and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangement are in the care of the Allo Funeral Homes.