Jerry Solt

Jerry Lee Solt, 85, passed away at home with family at his side on July 18, 2020.

He was born August 4, 1934 to the late Russell V. Solt and Mildred Fox Solt in Findlay, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marylyn Karns Solt, the love of his life, along with two children, Lara Solt (husband, Michael Hamtil), Dallas, Texas; and Andrew “Drew” Solt, Findlay; and two grandchildren, Josie and Theo Solt Hamtil.

Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Ned, who died in infancy. Jerry and Marylyn met at Blanchard Valley Hospital when his mother was a patient there and Marylyn was her caregiver.

Jerry graduated from Findlay High School in 1952 and attended General Motors Institute and Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio, in the engineering field. In 1957 at the age of 23, Jerry, along with his parents, began manufacturing the S.A.E. (Solt Automotive Engineering) Kart, the lightest kart in the world. He always had an interest in racing, and was always challenging himself to create something better.

He became a legend in the karting world, and he loved to teach and mentor people in the racing community. Over the years, many looked to Jerry as a father figure. His S.A.E. Karts were sent to Australia, England, South Africa and most of the 50 states. In 2018, Jerry was inducted into the National Vintage Karting Hall of Fame. His story can be viewed on the internet.

Jerry learned of the love of God at an early age from his mother and church and was always free to share it with others. In 1991 Jerry and Marylyn bought a small acreage west of Findlay to fulfill both their dreams of nature and wildlife and a competitive racetrack, “Solt Speedway.”

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020, from 3:00 until the time of Jerry’s memorial service at 6:00 pm, at Hanneman Funeral Home, 201 Osborn Ave., Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bridge Hospice or the City Mission.

Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Jerry’s family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com

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