Robert Dale Sollinger

April 06, 1936 - April 23, 2022

Obituary

CHAMPAIGN, Ill./MADISON, Wis. - Robert Dale Sollinger, age 86, of Madison, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 23, 2022. He was born on April 6, 1936, in Aurora, Ill., the son of Harry and Catherine (Olson) Sollinger.

Robert graduated from Aurora East High School in 1954. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to train military service dogs. After being stationed in Germany, he returned to the states to attend college and then married Irene (Tarnowski) Sollinger on June 17, 1961.

Together they managed and owned independent student housing on the University of Illinois campus. Robert worked as a self-employed general contractor and was employed at the University of Illinois, where he later graduated. He retired in 2007.

Robert was devoted to his wife, and his primary focus was spending time with his family and friends. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Illini and football season ticket holder for nearly five decades. He also took pride in his church family at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Champaign, Ill.

Robert is survived by his daughters, Laura (Brian McNurlen) Sollinger and Tamara (Kurt Xyst) Sollinger; son, Michael Sollinger; grandsons, Samuel McNurlen and Maximilian McNurlen; granddaughter, Rose McNurlen; nieces, Kim (Duane) Sollinger and Sherry (Bob) Grote; nephew, Gary Baumann; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Sollinger.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Sollinger; parents, Harry and Catherine; brother, Albert Sollinger; sister, Donna (Frank) Baumann; and niece, Debbie Williamson.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

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Jim & Carol Manley

Other • 4 years ago

Dear Laura, Tammy & Mike, We are so grateful your family surrounded your dad as he left this life. We also are grateful for being privileged to know this terrific man of God. Thank you for sharing him, respecting his devotion to church life. You may recall, our primary connection to your dad (and mom) is as a brother and sister in Christ, fellow Good Shepherd members. Bob dazzled us with his smile, outstanding style of dress, and devotion to worship, Communion and Bible study, witnessing whenever possible with all three of these spiritual powers. He provided hours of service, which Carol experienced for years as Parish Worker, with his faithful service as a member of G. S. Council and Property Committee. Many at our church experienced his way of turning that Sollinger Work Ethic" to Christ-like acts. Jim adds that all this took place while Bob tried to match up "the best of them" with his outlandish humor! We remember Bob & Irene with respect and love. May the Holy Spirit uplift you and yours as you grieve and may its power and The Sollinger Family strength uphold you. Joy in Christ, Jim & Carol Manley