Timothy J. Solko

Timothy J. Solko, 68, of Herndon, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1958, to Monica (Pochop), Solko and Clarence Solko. He was raised in rural Rawlins County and attended school in Herndon, Kansas, graduating in 1976.

Tim loved playing basketball, and even after high school he continued playing in a league with friends in Herndon. He also enjoyed hunting, especially with the hunters who traveled all the way back to Herndon each year for opening day of pheasant season.

He was a farmer, rancher and worked for Rawlins County Road & Bridge for nearly 50 years. Tim served on many boards and councils in the county, but his favorite role was with the Herndon Fire Department. He served as Herndon Fire Chief for many years and as Rawlins County Fire District #1 Chief for 42 years.

Tim was deeply involved in and cared greatly for the Rawlins County community. He would do anything to help others, whether it was plowing snow in the winter, swimming through water to repair roads, or running into fires to save neighbors’ property and loved ones. He was always there, just one call away.

Timothy was married twice and was blessed with four children: two sons, Ethan and Gregory, and two daughters, Timberly and Teather Solko. His final year was spent loving, adoring, and spoiling his twin granddaughters, Brayli and Taytum Bockmann, whom he loved more than anything.

Timothy was preceded in death by his mentor, Frank Buk; his parents, Clarence and Monica Solko; and his niece, Kimberly Solko.

He is survived by his three sisters, Judy Solko; Pat (Doug) Marrs; and Carrol (Kenton) Olliff; and two brothers, Ron (Diana) Solko and Tom Solko. He is also survived by his children, Ethan, Gregory, Timberly, and Teather; his grandchildren, Taytum and Brayli Bockmann; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation starts at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Herndon, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials to help with funeral expenses may be made to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com