Erna Soldan

Erna (Zielke) Soldan, aged 93, died on Thursday, November 22 from complications due to Alzheimer’s.  She was surrounded by family and caregivers.

Erna was born September 26, 1925, in Lansing, Michigan, and lived until adulthood in Alpena, Michigan.  She was the daughter of Theodore Zielke and Olga (Kremin) Zielke.  Her sister Hildegarde, and twin brothers Harry and Harold predeceased her.

As a young adult, Erna worked at the Wohlert Corporation in Lansing, Michigan, where she caught the eye of Howard Soldan, the handsome shipping clerk.  They were married in June, 1951, and soon moved to Holt, Michigan, into a new home constructed by Howard’s Dad.  There, Howard and Erna raised a family and built a successful business.

Howard Soldan predeceased Erna in April of this year, just a month shy of his 91st birthday.  They leave behind 4 children.  Gerald (Candy), Ted (Alice), Patty (Jeff) and Howard (Sheri).  There are 8 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Estes-Leadley (estesleadley.com).  Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9-11 a.m. at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N. Cedar St.  Funeral services will be at the same location at 11:00 a.m., with burial at noon at the Evergreen Cemetery (1709 E. Mt Hope Ave) in Lansing. A reception for family and friends will be held following the burial at a yet to be determined location.