Long time Paonia resident Jerome "Jerry" Dee Solaas, age 53, passed away Nov. 16, 2018, at Anschutz Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born Feb. 5, 1965, in Rawlins, Wyo., to Charles and Beverly Solaas. Jerry spent most of his childhood in Hanna, Wyo., where he graduated high school. As an adult Jerry held many jobs in civil service, working/volunteering for the Fire Dept., Ambulance, Police Dept., as well as a Correctional Officer transporting inmates across the United States. The job he enjoyed most of all however was being a Coal Miner like his father.
On May 6, 2002 Jerry met the love of his life Yvonne and 106 days later they were husband and wife. They spent the next 16 years madly in love and enjoying their children and grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed fishing, camping, anything outdoors, reading, gaming, and his greatest joy was his family.
Jerry is survived by his wife Yvonne Solaas of Paonia, Colo.; his four children Jerri Davis of Delta, Colo., Desirae Vasquez (Ray Vasquez) of Paonia, Colo., David Davis (Jesi Buhr) of Paonia, Colo., Chris Solaas (Amiee Solaas) of Paonia, Colo. Eleven grandchildren Patience Byrge (Jared Byrge) of Durango, Colo., Kiley Olson, Alysia Olson, Delilah Vasquez, Jasmine Vasquez, Zariah Dennison, Adrian Dennison, Kerian Dennision, Makayla Davis, and Chris Solaas Jr. AKA Bubba. Siblings Tracy and Harold Newbrough of Rawlins, Wyo., Chris and Monica Solaas of Rock Springs, Wyo., David and Aaron Solaas of Rock Springs, Wyo., Jesse and Sunshine Solaas of Hanna, Wyo., Ramon and Teresa Castilleja of Rawlins, Wyo., and his father-in-law Ramon Castilleja Sr. of Paonia, Colo., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Charles Solaas, Beverly and Jack Bertolas and his granddaughter Cassidy Fay Rose Solaas.
There will be a Celebration of Life held for Jerry at Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss, Colo. on Dec. 8, 2018 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Jerry's memory to CU Adrenal Tumor Program online at http://giving.cu.edu/fund/adrenal-neoplasms-reasearch or mail to Mail Stop A065 13001 E. 17th place, Suite WG112, Aurora CO 80045.
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