John Raymond Solek

John Solek was born on March 22, 1935, in Irvington, NJ, and died March 24, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN where he was living with his wife Sarah (Dale) Solek. John Solek passed from medical complications due to Pulmonary Fibrous, and other medical aliments. John is proceeded in death by his parents John and Eugenia. Upon John’s parents’ passing he was raised by his Aunt, (Janice Bereza), Euginia’s sister, who he loved and where he had taken his family to visit her in Elisabeth, NJ for many years upon her passing in 1994.

John Solek had three children with his previous wife Deanna (Owens) Solek; John Solek (son) Tori Clemons (daughter), and Tiffani Lizima (daughter) who passed in 2017. John is proceeded by several grandchildren, JayCe Solek, Austin Solek, Tyler Solek, Corey Sugai, Shealynn Sugai, Christian Martin, Cameron Wiard, Zachery Wiard, Courtney Abbot and Allison Murphy who he loved and cherished deeply.

John Solek graduated from Irvington High School and to people’s amazement, he was an accomplished Soccer Goalkeeper, even for his short stature. John joined the army in 1953 and served during the Koren war in the 10th Mountain Div until ending his service in 1955 as a Corporal but remained in the active reserves for another six years until 1961. This is where John became an avid snow skier.

Upon leaving the Military, John went to Upsala College and upon graduating worked as an auditor for Sinclair Gas/Oil. John continued his career working as an accountant and worked for Roche (Boehringer Mannheim) for many years. He then spent time working on his own tax service and other companies throughout the years until his retirement.

In his early years, John enjoyed golfing and tennis; however, his passion would always be fishing, where he liked to spend his time on the Michigan Great lakes fishing on the amateur pro circuit for Walley. This is where he was able to land a record size Walley in Lake Erie, where that record still stands today.

John met his wife, Sarah Dale Solek in Cicero, IN, where she finally convinced him to marry her on May 29,1993, and welcomed two new children into his life, Christie Wiard and Jason Martin.

John lived in New Jersey, Michigan, and several locations in Indiana. He later retired in Fishers, IN with Sarah, where her family and friends know her as Dale. There he enjoyed fishing off the dock in his back yard, where he would catch and release largemouth bass, and spend the other time chasing the geese off the dock. John would also spend many a day yelling across the pond to his friend and neighbor (Phil) about life, family and current events. John enjoyed fishing so much he volunteered his time teaching young people this great sport. John enjoyed church and was raised as a Roman Catholic. John was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the Knights of Columbus where he earned his status as a Knight to the 4th degree. Where would this story not end, but to last remember that he never won a bunch, but he loved sitting around the poker table with his orange juice and sprit mixture, playing Texas Holdem.

John will be loved and missed by family and friends. As he enters this eternal rest, he goes with all the love and fond memories he has gained over the past ninety years. We wish him well on his eternal journey.