Archie P. Solyst, 97, of Austin, died Friday, June 22, 2012, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

Archie was born May 5, 1915, in Garden City, Iowa to Otto and Aleta (Seglum) Solyst.

During World War II, Archie served honorably as an Army medic and was involved in the transportation of German prisoners to the U.S. Prisoner of War Camps. Archie and Judy settled down to raise their family in Austin.

Archie worked at the Hormel Company for 45 years, with an interruption for his United States Army Service and then retired at age 68, knowing most of the employees on a first hand basis. He enjoyed playing golf and horseshoe, and was a bit of a “ringer.” After retirement he dabbled in painting, covering every inch of his basement and garage with his artistic works. His true forte was writing and reading poetry to anyone who would listen and even had a few poems published in the Hormel magazine.

Archie was a longtime member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Alvera “Judy” Solyst; children, Gary Solyst, Kay Solyst, Susan Solyst, Janelle Blaser and Lorri Terpeney; grandchildren, Ryan and Mark Solyst, Nicole and Scott Blaser; great grandchildren, Sara Solyst and Ryan Johns; brother, Lovel Solyst; sister-in-law, Sharon Heikkla.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jay and Donnie Solyst; sisters, Onie Wyant and Gail Van Eaton; most of his friends.

Condolences may be sent to Kay Solyst, 1510 2nd Ave. SW, Austin, MN 55912.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216.

Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.