Kay Kathleen Solie

Kay Solie passed away at the age of 85 on September 1, 2025.

Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the United Church in Mapleton, with visitation one hour prior. A private family interment will occur at a later time. Livestream of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@unitedchurchofmapleton6817/streams. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kay was born August 29, 1940 to Arnold and Muriel (Dobie) Haberer. At the time, her mom, Muriel was a larger lady and no one in Beauford knew she was pregnant. Then, she came home with a bouncing baby girl which was a shock to the Beauford community so Kay became known at the “Beauford Surprise”. Kay grew up the youngest of three sisters, so she was often called “Audrey, Joyce, Kay”. The three sisters sang “Three Little Fishes” at many family gatherings.

Kay attended school in Mapleton, Minnesota was a cheerleader and homecoming queen - her high school sweetheart was Stan Solie. They were engaged the Fall of 1961 and were married December 30, 1961. They made their home in Long Beach, California for a couple of years before returning to Mapleton to start a family.

As a young gal, Kay worked at the Mapleton bakery. After high school, she attended the Mankato Commercial College. Following that, she started working at the Blue Earth County Courthouse. She also worked as a teacher aid in Mapleton where her creations were laminated and prized by teachers for years to come. Then, she worked at Solie Sales in partnership with Stan for many years and created a gift shop called Thistles and Plaid.

Kay had a generous spirit which was exhibited in her kindness toward others and the time she devoted to organizations. For over forty years, she was the treasurer of the United Church in Mapleton. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was secretary or treasurer of that organization for over 50 years. She was a member of the Mapleton School Board and suggested the name Maple River for a new consolidated district, probably in an effort to salvage some Mapleton Scot’s heritage. She was involved in a fundraising effort with her sister Joyce Johnson to get stained glass windows for the United Church, and she collaborated on a book with her son Tim and other sister Audrey Annis titled, “A Postcard History of Mapleton, Minnesota.”

Kay was most definitely a cat person, and she especially liked orange tabbies which were usually named Boots. She was involved in a bridge club for many years, but everyone knew she liked talking more than playing cards. She belonged to the Heather Curling Club. With Stan and their friends Harlan and Mary Jaeger, they achieved the rare curling feat of an eight end. She had wonderful artistic abilities which was illustrated by her beautiful, flowing handwriting. Switzerland and Scotland were among her favorite trips and the last two years enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair with her daughter Susan. In later years, she enjoyed doing mandalas and puzzles. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren Grant, Joshua, Benjamin, Jessica, Hannah, and great grandchildren Marie and Matilda. They along with other family members will miss her excellent chocolate brownies and sugar cookies.

She is survived by her son Tim (Lee) Solie of Mapleton, daughter Susan (David) Larson, Grove Lake. Grandchildren Grant and Hannah Solie, Joshua, Benjamin Larson Eden Prairie, Jessica (Alex) Hubbard and great grandchildren Marie and Matilda Hubbard, Willmar. She is also survived by sisters Audrey Annis and Joyce Johnson both of Mapleton, many nieces and nephews, Lora Lamp, and her cat Persey.

She was preceded in death by her husband Stan Solie, her parents Arnold and Muriel Haberer, brother-in-law’s Paul Annis and Wally Johnson, and nephew Donald Annis.

The family would like to thank the Mapleton Fire Department, Mayo Hospital staff, Cura of Le Sueur, and St. Croix Hospice.