Lula Mae "Lu" Nolte

On Thursday afternoon, November 21, 2024, Lula Mae “Lu” Nolte, 89, of Kansas City, Missouri, joined her husband of 68 years in eternal rest. She passed away at Beautiful Savior Home in Belton, Missouri surrounded and comforted by her children.

Lu was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Nolte, her parents, her brother, Lester Tebbenkamp, sister-in-law, Laverne “Bunny” Lauber, and brothers-in-law, Phillip Neil Bracher and Norman “Chic” Lauber. Survivors include her daughter, Lisa (Mike) Taylor and son, Richard Douglas (Marlene) Nolte; sister, Martha Bracher; grandchildren, Nick (Allyce Callahan) Taylor, Jake Taylor, Travis (Lacey Stecker) Nolte, Zoey (Nathan) Toomey, Rachel (Michael) Realmuto, great-grandson, Dominic Realmuto; sisters-in-law, Dianne Tebbenkamp and Janice Eileen (Harold “Dewey”) Peerson; nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

Lu began her journey in Knob Noster, Missouri on December 9. 1934, the first of three children born to Joseph William and Nora Emilie (Werths) Tebbenkamp. Raised a true Missouri farm girl, Lu developed the strength, work ethic, and family-first values that would guide her throughout the years. Her family purchased a farm near Alma, Missouri where her parents would remain throughout their lives. The farm remained a constant in Lu’s life and over the years her children and family would spend many happy days enjoying life on the farm.

As a child Lu developed a love for animals. Horses in particular were favored. This became a source of contention with her father when she would enlist the company of her brother to sneak off to ride the work horses. The work horses were not for riding, but he knew the situation was not likely to be resolved soon. So, a pony for riding was added to the registry of farm animals.

And although a hint of mischief, a dash of willfulness, and a wonderful sense of humor would always be present, she turned these qualities to the benefit others. At Alma High School Lu was the recipient of the Citizenship Award. This award foreshadowed a life that would be spent in service of family, friends, and community.

After high school she moved to Kansas City, Missouri to attend business college and started work at B&J Paper Company. Soon her sister would introduce her to Dick Nolte, the cousin of the man she was dating. Thus began what would be a lifetime love and marriage of 68 years. (Her sister married Dick’s cousin and the two families shared many years and memories together.)

Dick and Lu were married on February 18, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alma, Missouri and began their adventure in Kansas City, Kansas. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri where they raised their two children. Lu incorporated her many skills and interests into both work and family. She cooked at various schools (Immanuel Lutheran, Shawnee Mission, and Calvary Lutheran). She shared her crafts and creations with family and friends, and sold them at the Renaissance Fair, craft shows, and small businesses.

Although work and responsibilities were never neglected, Lu always found the time and energy to maintain beautiful garden spaces. The gardens eventually provided play space for her beloved grandchildren and subject matter for husband’s love of photography.

But more than any other quality or activity, it was Lu’s fierce love and devotion to family that most defined her. It showed in the way she worked so hard making the many family trips to the lake an easy vacation for family and friends; the many Sunday and holiday feasts that were enjoyed by her loved ones; the endless hours of caring for her grandchildren that gave so much peace and comfort to her children as they pursued their work and activities.

Lu was a lifelong Lutheran and an active member of the churches where she and Dick worshipped – Immanuel Lutheran and Calvary Lutheran. She was a member of Calvary’s Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and participated in a group that sewed quilts for donations. Her faith and church were foundational parts of a life well lived and provided comfort in her final days.

It seems that some people are put on this earth to provide the work, love, and will that allow others to thrive and pursue the joys that life may offer. Lu was one of those people. For that, and for all she was, Lu will be loved and missed by everyone whose life she graced.

For all the sorrow of her passing, for all the poorer we feel for not having her with us, we can take comfort knowing she is at peace enjoying the eternal rewards of a life spent enriching us.

To honor Lu's memory a memorial may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church.