Donald 'Jack' Sollinger

Donald J. "Jack" Sollinger, 79, of Germfask, was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, and later worked in the River Rouge auto plant for 30 years. Mr. Sollinger died Monday afternoon, August 6, 2007, at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette.

Born January 13, 1928 in Detroit, Mr. Sollinger was the son of Rex and Mildred (nee Kurz) Sollinger. He was a graduate of Dearborn High School.

He enlisted and briefly served in the United States Army, transferring and serving in the United States Air Force until his honorable discharge December 6, 1948, attaining the rank of sergeant.

After returning home, Mr. Sollinger attended college and married Barbara Losey February 10, 1951, in Dearborn. He was a civilian employee of the United States Air Force and later employed with the Ford Motor Company at the River Rouge Plant for 30 years, retiring as data processing control supervisor in 1983.

Following his retirement, he moved to the Curtis/Germask area, where he was an active member of the McMillan Lodge 400 F & AM, Manistique Lakes Lions Club, American Legion Post 74, and the Newberry Country Club. His hobbies and interests included golfing, yard work, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife; his children and their families, Jeff and Sibylle Sollinger of Germany, John and Mary Sollinger of Oregon, Barbara Kosutich, and Mary and Richard Rooksberry, all of Michigan; nine grandchildren and their families, and eight greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Sollinger was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Mark Sollinger.

Memorials may be directed to the Michigan Masonic Home, 1200 Wright Avenue, Alma, Michigan 48801.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry assisted the family with arrangements.