Peter E. Sohlden '65

Peter received his Metallurgical Engineering bachelor of science degree from Michigan Tech in 1965, and an MS in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. He spent almost his entire career with Grede Foundries, Inc. in their Milwaukee facilities, and retired as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Grede Foundries, Inc. after 34 years with the company. He joined Grede as a management trainee with a manufacturing focus, and moved upward in the organization in roles including Factory Manager, Works Manager, Corporate Director of Quality Assurance, Vice President for Manufacturing Services, and Vice President of Operations.

Peter was active in several professional and trade organizations, including the Milwaukee chapter of the American Foundry Society, Gray Iron Foundry Association, Iron Casting Research Institute (serving a term as President), American Society for Quality, and the Ductile Iron Society.

Peter served two terms on MSE’s External Advisory Board from 2002 - 2008. A native of Chassell, he considers himself extremely fortunate that Michigan Tech was so accessible, both geographically and financially, and is grateful for the financial support that the university provided to him for his education back in 1960. Peter's uncle (Reino Peterson) and cousin (Dean Peterson) were also graduates of the Metallurgical Engineering department; as members of the 1930 and 1966 classes, respectively. Peter is a member of the university's McNair Society, in recognition of having recently included Michigan Tech in his estate planning.

Peter spends his free time in retirement fishing, hunting, traveling, boating and doing volunteer work. He has been married to his wife Jackie for 48 years and they have one daughter, Sonja. Both Jackie and Sonja are nurses.