Paul James Soli, age 82, of Inver Grove Heights, MN passed away peacefully in Garrison, ND on Monday, May 27, 2024, after battling cancer the past two years. He was visiting and attending family events in Garrison at the time, and his entire family was present with him his last week of life.

Paul was born December 1, 1941 in Austin, MN to John and Cora Soli, Moscow, MN. Paul was raised on a farm in Moscow Township, the third of four brothers, and attended a one room country school through the 8th grade. He overcame polio during the polio epidemic of 1948-1955 and attended Austin Senior High School graduating in 1960. He attended Austin Jr. College and farmed at the same time, later graduating from WI State University in River Falls, WI with a BS Degree in Agricultural Economics. He was employed by Miller Publishing Co. in Minneapolis and worked in several capacities of sales, marketing and publishing of the Miller agricultural magazines which included Dairy Herd and Hog Farm Management and Feedstuffs.

Paul had a passion for using technology and the internet to offer better products and services to farmers and ranchers across the nation. He started two websites, Bullshop.com and RuralAds.com, that farmers, ranchers and small businesses could use to market their livestock or other products. Paul loved the land and country. He kept informed up to the end with national and international news, and always had an opinion. He was a storyteller, valued people and their friendships and kept in touch with his Miller Publishing gang always working to bring everyone together each year.

Although meeting his future wife in their confirmation class, Paul waited until June 26, 1965 to marry his one and only love, Evelyn Sanders, at Oakland Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN. They raised their family of three children, Odin, Karin and Marit, in Cottage Grove, MN. He enjoyed his grandchildren in every stage of their development, always attending their games, and concerts if he could.

Those left to cherish Paul’s memory include his wife, Evelyn Soli, of Inver Grove Heights, MN; son, Odin Soli (Katrina), of Woodbury, MN and their children, Thrain, of Woodbury, and Linnea, of New York City, and granddaughter, Celeste; Karin Olson (Scott), of Rosemount, MN, and their children, Thaddeus, Theron and Theanna; Marit Heidbreder (Darren), of Garrison, ND, and their children, Dane and Jed; brother Richard Soli (Lucille), of Minneapolis, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Celebration of Life for Paul J. Soli

Saturday June 15, 2024

Wakota Ridge Campus of Woodbury Lutheran Church

South St. Paul, MN 55075

10 am Visitation, 11 am Service, 12 pm Light Lunch