Solveig passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in Wisconsin of Norwegian parents, Hans and Florence Waag.

Solveig grew up the second of 3 girls, speaking Norwegian until she began school at age 6. She and her sisters were musical, singing and playing the piano.

After graduating from high school, Solveig worked as a typist for an insurance company, then went on to earn a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from what is now the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

She met Richard "Dick" Embertson while singing in the university choir. They married in 1949, and moved to Minneapolis so Dad could finish a Masters degree in Business, while Mom taught first grade, sometimes having 40 kids in her class. Dad got a job teaching business classes at the high school in Northfield, MN, so they moved, and were soon blessed with 2 children. In 1956, Dad was offered a job teaching at Western Michigan University, so the family moved again to Kalamazoo, where their 3rd child was born.

Although Mom was now busy raising 3 children, she was also very active at church, where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible classes. She was also involved with PTA, school events, Girl Scouts, the children's sports activities, and then faculty wives groups, gardening club, singing groups, and other campus events.

Because they were both teachers, Mom and Dad felt it was important for their children to learn about the USA. Every school vacation became an opportunity to travel and experience the country (and a bit of Canada and Mexico) while using a tent trailer as a more affordable way to go. Eventually Mom went back to full time teaching as the children got older. 5th and 6th grades were her favorites, even though many of her students were as tall as she was! Several of her students have kept in touch over the years; one who's now a professor in Singapore for more than 30 years!

When she was young, Mom said that she was really shy, but she and Dad have always seemed to be so outgoing, enjoying getting to know people and their fascinating backgrounds. They would bring new people home from church for a meal, invite Dad's students over, or have out of town relatives stay for a visit. They attended 20 Elderhostels and traveled abroad several times, and always seemed to make good friends on each trip. After Dad and Mom retired, they decided to move to Washington State to be near daughter Wendy's family. The settled in Gig Harbor, and enjoyed exploring the area, gardening, church activities, a book club, and of course meeting new people and making good friends. Mom continued to play the piano almost daily, and she and her sister would oftentimes play classical duets for 2 to 3 hours at a time when they could get together. Solveig also began dabbling in painting with oils and watercolors, which became a delightful hobby! Dad passed away in 2004, and Mom decided to move to Sequim to be close to Wendy and Dave.

She again got involved in her new community, volunteering at the Sequim Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, the Senior Center Singalong group, and was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church. She loved gardening, playing piano, reading, taking walks in her neighborhood, and enjoying her many friends in Sequim. Solveig was very proud of her children--all accomplished professionals--and she was very involved with her grandchildren and their pursuits as well.

She is survived by her children: Wendy (Dave) Merrill of Sequim, Rolf (Claire) of Lexington, KY, Dave (Cynthia) of Austin, TX, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Dick, her older sister Melba, and just 10 days after Mom died, her younger sister Marie passed away.

A private family burial was held in December, 2021 at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, WA. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 382 W. Cedar St., Sequim, WA 98382. Reception following. Memorial contributions may be directed in Solveig's name to: Faith Lutheran Preschool Scholarship Fund, 382 W. Cedar St., Sequim, WA 98382 or the Sequim Boys and girls club, 400 W. Fir St., Sequim, WA 98382.

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with her arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for her family at www.drennanford.com .