On March 24, 2004 Joseph Vyacheslav Solarz was born in Klintsy, Russia. He was the youngest of three children. Joey spent the first three years of his life in an orphanage until Pat & Julie Solarz adopted Joey and his older sisters, Tatiana and Julia. This was completely life changing for Joey. He loved being a part of such a loving family.
Even as a young boy, Joey had a love of animals. All of the family dogs loved him, especially his doodle, Penny. They had a very special bond.
Joey attended schools in Chaska and Jordan. In 2022, he graduated from Prior Lake High School. Joey made many friends along the way. While in Chaska, one of his teachers encouraged Joey to pursue his interest in woodworking. Joey quickly discovered he had a real talent. Over the years he made many special items for family, friends and teachers.
In his free time, Joey enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He tackled many home projects with his dad over the years and had become very capable in woodworking and electrical work. He was definitely “Papa’s Helper”. Joey also loved being out in nature. He mostly did this up north at his family cabin. This was truly his happy place. He enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and riding ATVs. On his last fishing trip up at the cabin, Joey caught over 30 sunnies!
Throughout his life, Joey overcame many challenges. He approached life and relationships with a kind and gentle heart. He was always so generous and ready to help out in any way he could. He was incredibly smart and resourceful. Unfortunately, Joey’s life ended much too soon when he lost his battle with mental illness on October 26, 2022.
Joey now lives on in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his loving parents, Pat & Julie Solarz; sisters, Tatiana & Julia Solarz; aunt, Andrea Lenz; uncle, Greg (Laura) Solarz; service dog, Penny; other loving relatives and friends. Joey was greeted in Heaven by his grandparents, Leo & Arlene Solarz and Frank & Rosey Lenz; great-grandma, Rosemary Timmers; beloved dogs, Sadie & Bridgette.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM with Prayers & Reflections led by Deacon Terry Beer at 11:00 AM.
Offer Condolence for the family of Joey “Slava” Solarz
Print Obituary & Condolences
Christy
Dear Pat & Julie…
You are All in our prayers…we cannot imagine tbe grief
Of losing your boy…
We know He is in our Loving Lord’s arms…
Strength & Love for your family.
Jerry & Christy in Texas.
Adam & Amy Bullyan
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies.
Adam, Amy, Gavin, & Sebastian Bullyan
Mark and Audra Hunter
I had the pleasure of working with Joey while he attended Twin Oaks Middle School. Joey and I kept a special bond and I will always remember his great personality and love for the staff. I remember bringing bikes in and biking around the school or playing many rounds of card games during the school day. Gone way too soon, he will be greatly missed. Sending prayers of comfort to his family during this difficult time.
Mark Hunter
Tracy L Riley
Joey was one of my students. He was a tough one at first but it was amazing to watch him grow and improve. He called me a year after I left his school to tell me he got to transition back to his main school, he was so proud and I was so proud of him, and thankful he took the time to call me and share his success with me. He had a big, caring heart. He will be missed in this world.
Laura inda
My heart is broken for you and your family. I am so incredibly sorry. Thank you for sharing his beautiful story.
Cynthia Smith
Julie and family, I am praying for you all, and may God’s peace and comfort be with you all now and whenever you need His strength to carry you from day to day.
Anna Raway
Solarz family,
I have had the pleasure of working or interacting with all 3 of your children at PLHS. When I read the news about Joey, my heart broke in two. He was a very kind and funny student. I enjoyed this past year even more because I would see him while I walked into the building. You all are in my heart as you navigate the next steps without your sweet Joey. Hugs especially to Tanya and Julia. So sorry for your immense.
Trudi LaRose
I’m so very sorry for you and your family, this just breaks my heart. We were so happy for you when you were able to bring the kids home finally! I couldn’t imagine better parents for them to get.
Dan Edwards
I feel so blessed to have known Joey and to have had the opportunity to get to know him throughout his time at Twin Oaks Middle School and then to follow his path through Prior Lake High School. Joey will always have a very special place in my heart! He made me laugh on so many occasions because of his quick wit and amazing knowledge of 80’s music that far exceeded mine. He will be missed!
Please see the following link that has been established in Joey’s honor.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/financial-support-for-the-family-of-joey-solarz
Dan Edwards
Kris Gratz
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved hearing about Joey’s love of life and the joy he brought so many people. Prayers to all of you!
Dawn Lyndsley
Julie,
I was so sorry to hear about your son’s death. He sounds like a beautiful boy.
My thoughts and prayers are with your in your time of grief. I hope your loving memories help sustain you during this trying time.
Dawn Lyndsley
Brenda Shipp
Julie,
I remember how happy you were to become parents to your son and his sisters. The happiness and love that you poured out to your children has been given back to you as well. I truly pray Gods Comfort, Peace and Strength will be with you now and each day that comes. May God bless and keep you and your family always.
Brenda Shipp
Karen Heidmann
I want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of your son. Prayers to you all.
Jessica Seth
I would see Joey everyday when I arrived to work, always being greeted with a cheerful ‘good morning.’
He was such a ray of sunshine!!! My heart breaks for your family and pray God sends comfort and healing to you all.
Kieran
Julie,
I was so sad to get the news of the loss of your incredible son. Thanks and respect to you and your husband for giving Joey and sisters a loving home – something everyone deserves. I can’t fully imagine how incredibly hard this is – reading these stories about Joey’s life and personality gives me hope that he will live on with you in sweet memories. Love & Solidarity from your union family at CWA 7250.
Lori Timlin
My son, Gabe Sutton, was a couple of grades younger than Joey and talked of him often. I think he was kind of in awe of Joey. I cannot imagine anything more difficult than losing a child. I am truly saddened as I know Gabe is. May your family and friends provide you comfort.
Lubna Miyanoorwala
Dear Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my sorrow, I remember when you had finally brought him home, you gave him a beautiful life. Prayers for your entire family!
Breyonne Morris
I just heard the news. I remember the excitement when you adopted the kids. This is heartbreaking and I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.