Donna Nolte

Donna Jean Nolte, 97, of Webster, passed away, Monday, November 10, 2025, at Sanford, Sioux Falls.

Memorial services will be 2pm, Friday, November 21, 2025, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. Inurnment will be at the Bristol Cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the funeral home, closing with a 6:30pm prayer service.

Donna Jean Raap was born on April 7, 1928, to Edward and Olive (Barrows) Raap. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. Donna attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Bristol High School in 1946. She continued her education at Northern State Teachers College, earning her teaching certificate.

Donna began her teaching career at a rural school near Butler. In the early fall of 1947, she moved to Oregon, where she spent three months teaching at a lumber yard school. There, she not only taught but became a daytime mother to the 28 students she had. After returning to Bristol, she married the love of her life, Herbert Nolte, on November 29, 1947, at Butler Lutheran Church.

The couple lived briefly with Herbert’s parents before renting a farm west of Lily. In 1952, they moved to their permanent home in Butler Township, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming. Donna was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm, tending to livestock and spending countless hours in the combine during harvest season. She made sure the farm ran smoothly, the meals were hearty, and the home was filled with warmth and care. Herbert passed away in 2017, and Donna continued living on the farm she loved.

Outside of farming, Donna enjoyed keeping a close eye on the operation, gardening, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and working on diamond dots. She treasured her mornings at coffee in Butler, where she was known for sharing her famous homemade chocolate chip cookies. Above all, Donna cherished any time spent with her family.

She was a proud member of the Holmquist Helping Hands Club and an active participant in WELCA, serving her church and community with dedication and kindness.

Donna’s legacy is one of hard work, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and the land she called home.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Loren (Mary Lou) Nolte of DeSmet, SD, Wesley (Karen) Nolte of Webster, SD, Wayne (Katherine) Nolte of Webster, SD, and Marylin (Larry) Beers of Sioux Falls, SD. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Jason Nolte, and great granddaughter Marie Nolte.