Solvej Sidsel Waggoner

Solvej Sidsel Waggoner, age 90, of Hastings, Michigan, went home to be with her Lord on September 10, 2026. She was born in Burg Stargard, Mecklenburg, Germany, to Albert Christian Petersen and Gertrude Karolina Louisa Petersen (nee Kramer). A U.S. citizen from birth, she came to the United States as a young child, settling first in Detroit and later in Clarkston, Michigan.

Above all else, Solvej loved and served God. Her faith was planted early at a small country church in Clarkston and grew into a lifelong devotion that touched every part of her life. She taught Sunday school for decades, served on church boards, led as Sunday school superintendent, and remained faithful to Bible study and the prayer chain into her final years. She often gave God the credit for her ability to connect with and encourage the people around her, and she shared her faith freely and warmly, never once forcing it on anyone. Those who knew her said her devotion to the Lord was simply woven into who she was.

Solvej was equally devoted to her family. She married her husband, George, on October 21, 1957. Together they raised four children and were blessed with five grandchildren. Though her children and grandchildren lived far away, she remained close to them in the way that mattered most to her: she prayed for each one, every single day, for their faith, their marriages, their protection, and their joy. Her love extended just as naturally to friends, neighbors, and fellow church members, all of whom she treated like family.

Solvej had a rare gift for connecting with people and encouraging them. Cheerful, optimistic, and endlessly curious about others, she made it her habit to welcome newcomers and greet everyone she met with genuine warmth. Her infectious energy, whether at church, in her community, or during her volunteer work, touched everyone who crossed her path. Those who met her at Pennock Hospital, where she served in patient escort for over two decades, often described her as bright, uplifting, and easy to love.

Solvej also carried a deep compassion for those in need, especially the homeless. Through years of volunteer work and quiet generosity, she did all she could to help others find their footing and to remind them, in word and in deed, that they were not forgotten.

Solvej was preceded in death by her husband George, beloved daughter Cheryl, and grandson Jeremy. She is survived by her sons, Kirk Albert Waggoner, Steven Edward Waggoner, Jon Christian Waggoner, grandchildren Kathleen (John) Bono, Jacob Waggoner, Amelia Waggoner, Jennifer Waggoner, and many friends whose lives she touched along the way.

In keeping with Solvej's wishes, a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Hastings Church of the Nazarene, 1716 N Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 at 11:00 a.m. with luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Barry County Cares, Habitat for Humanity, Mel Trotter Ministries, or a charity serving those in need in Solvej's memory.

Arrangements are being handled by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.