Geraldine 'Geri' Solum

Geraldine "Geri” (Rice) Gilmond Solum, July 3, 1945 — April 14, 2025.

With love in our hearts and sadness in her passing, we honor the beautiful life of Geraldine "Geri" (Rice) Gilmond Solum, who passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, with her devoted husband and son by her side.

Born July 3, 1945, in Powers Lake, North Dakota, Geri was the second youngest of 10 children born to Rudolph and Gudren Rice — a spirited family of nine girls and one boy who remained close and connected throughout their lives. In 1948, the family moved to Kalispell, planting roots in a place that would become home to Geri's heart for the rest of her days.

Geri graduated from Whitefish High School and went on to build a life grounded in deep love and simple joy. She married Gordon Gilmond in 1968, and together they raised three children — Michael, Darin, and Nicole. Their life was full of warmth, laughter, and cherished memories, like fishing trips on Stillwater Lake with fried chicken wrapped in foil, three kids, two dogs, and a 12-foot aluminum boat that carried far more than just a family — it carried love.

Though they lived humbly, Geri and Gordon's life was rich with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. She worked hard over the years, building a respected career with Kmart, National Flood, and later at Sterling Title alongside her sister. But more than anything, Geri's life was built around her family, her faith, and her unshakable love of living life.

When Gordon passed away in 1997 after a long battle with cancer, Geri leaned on her resilient spirit, boundless love, and the deep, unshakable bond with her siblings to carry on. Their closeness was a source of strength and comfort that helped her through. She never lost her radiant smile or zest for life. She was always ready to host a family gathering, whip up one of her famous gooey desserts, or break into song and dance. Geri embodied lightheartedness and compassion.

Her passion for music never waned — whether singing with her brother Rudy or harmonizing with her sisters, she brought joy to every room she entered. It was on one of those joyful evenings out dancing with Rudy that she met Alan Solum, a kindred spirit who would become her partner in life and love. They married in 2003, and together they embraced their later years with travel, laughter, and unwavering support. Saturday night dances became a ritual, and they seldom missed one. When a major stroke made it impossible for her to find comfort in dance, they simply switched to a Saturday date night.

As Geri had once been a source of comfort and healing for Alan, he became her dedicated caregiver in recent years, offering the same tenderness and devotion she had so freely given to others all her life.

Geri lived by the values of faith and family — always kind, always loving, and always ready with a hug. Her laugh was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her presence could light up even the darkest days. She was the kind of person who made life feel like a celebration simply by showing up.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Gudren Rice; her siblings, Irene Enger, Audrey Elsbernd, Lorraine Lidstrom, Helen Miscambell, Ruby Enger, Ina Herriges, and Rudy Rice; and her son-in-law, Jon Swinehart.

Geri is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband, Alan; her children, Mike (Heidi), Darin (Greta) and Nicole; grandchildren, Hunter, Shelbi, Chase, Turan, Caden, Ashton, Blaine and Cameera; and great-grandchildren, Scarlet, Saige and McKenzie. She is also survived by her sisters, Connie (Dan) and Janet (John); Alan's children, Deborah (Randy) Barbara (Steven), Laural (Wayne), Erik (Penny) and Pamela (Joe) and a large extended family of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

A celebration of Geri's life will be held on May 29 at 1 p.m. at the Kalispell Moose Lodge. All are welcome to join, share stories, and remember a woman whose life was a testament to love, resilience, laughter, and the joy of simply being together.

While we deeply feel her loss, we take comfort in the many memories she gave us. Her warmth, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel welcome — those are the things we'll carry with us. She showed us how to love fully, live joyfully, and always make room for dessert.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.