Obituary of Norman L Solem

Norman L Solem, of Deptford, New Jersey, passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Legacy He was 88 and knew his family was always by his side. After graduating from Paulsboro High School in 1954, Norman served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He became a New Jersey State Trooper in 1958 and served until his retirement in 1984, then worked part time as a detective and a fingerprint specialist with the FBI. Norman was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed a great joke. He was always interested in others and loved sharing news of his children/grandchildren and pictures of his great grandchildren. He enjoyed barbecues, golfing, and playing cards and horseshoes with his many friends. He was a proud member of the Association of Former New Jersey State Troopers and the Loyal Order of Moose. Most of all, Norman appreciated his family, friends, and caring neighbors. Throughout the years, Norman was every child's favorite grown-up; even in his last days, he could muster up joy for others. Norman lived a life of service. He respected and cared for all humanity in his military service, law enforcement, and commitment to each of his family members through illnesses and life struggles. Norman's fortitude and strength was driven by his faith in God and devotion to everyone, leaving our world a better place. Family Norman was born the youngest of a large Norwegian immigrant family. His mother (Signe) and father (Oscar), brothers Bernard, Oscar, Robert, Harold, Rudolph, Raymond (Dolores), Kenneth (Berminna), and sisters Marie (E. Guy Elzey Jr.), Bernice, and Lillian (Charles Peck) are in heaven with him. Eloise Greenlees, who passed away in 2019, was the love of his life and his lifelong companion. They would frequently visit Eloise's daughter Diane (Gregory) and granddaughter Katie, as well as other special family members in Georgia and North Carolina. Norman will be greatly missed by his beloved son and daughter Michael Solem and Michele Solem, two granddaughters Natalie and Kahli, and two great granddaughters Hayden and Brynn. Norman also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Most recently, he especially appreciated the support of his sister-in-law, Berminna, his nephews K.C. Solem (Kristin) and Jon Erik Solem (Kim), and his nieces Signe Stubits (Jay), Barbara Solem, and Susan Gedral. He very much valued times shared with Alexander Xavier (Michael), Randy Solem, Ken Ezzo, and Loretta Stubits. Farewell Tribute Relatives and friends are invited to attend Norman’s graveside ceremony on April 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local first responders. share the memories … share love … ShareLife® at www.mcgfuneral.com.