Obituary of Betty Lorain Anderson Soltau

Betty Lorain Anderson Soltau, 92, passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2016 in Ecumen Lakeshore, Duluth. Betty was born on Jan. 18, 1924 in Springfield, Mo., to George and Vesta Anderson. She grew up and went to school in Virginia, and then went on to graduate in 1946 from St. Luke's School of Nursing in Duluth. Betty married the love of her life, Oliver (Sully) Soltau, in 1950. A great outdoors couple, Betty and Sully spent many summers on Birch Lake, inviting friends and family for countless hours of swimming, boating and camp life. After raising their family in Duluth, Betty and Sully enjoyed 25 wonderful years of retirement at their lake home in Wascott, Wis. Throughout the years, Betty delivered countless fine meals, baked goods and jams that warmed the bodies and souls of multiple generations. Betty's drive, intelligence and lifelong commitment to her family and her profession cannot be overestimated. As the night Nursing Supervisor at St. Luke's Hospital, her work was measured by her exceptional mentoring and support of hospital staff and compassion for her patients. Working at night allowed Betty the time to dedicate to her beloved growing family. Betty was always in high demand as a soloist and pianist at the Glen Avon and Gordon Presbyterian congregations, her rich contralto voice bringing joy and meaning to many ceremonies. She will be profoundly missed by her children, Beth (Tom) Stebe, Jane Soltau, Kurt Soltau, Eric (Mary) Soltau; her grandchildren, Erica, Allison, Will, Andrea, Tess, Andrew; her great-grandsons, Finn, Will, and Scott, and her sister, Tena Baehm. Betty's family would like to thank the Ecumen Lakeshore staff and St. Luke's Hospice for their extraordinary care and support. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church or St. Luke's Hospital.